anticipatory

adjective

an·​tic·​i·​pa·​to·​ry an-ˈti-sə-pə-ˌtȯr-ē 

: characterized by anticipation : anticipating

took anticipatory measures to prevent floods

Synonyms of anticipatory

• watchful
• expectant
• enthusiastic
• eager
• anxious
• anticipant

Examples of anticipatory in a Sentence

couldn't control his anticipatory excitement on Christmas morning

Recent Examples on the Web

Room counts are low, anticipatory service is high, and above all else, each is set in a remarkable location and designed in a way that highlights its surroundings. —Jake Emen, Robb Report, 22 Jan. 2026

One aspect of the case that Keating finds curious is the Rose Bowl’s claim of anticipatory breach given that UCLA has not played a home game anywhere else for more than four decades. —Los Angeles Times, 19 Jan. 2026

Often driven by seamless technology, deep local connection and intuitive, anticipatory service, guests feel uniquely cared for, not just served. —Roger Sands, Forbes.com, 18 Jan. 2026

But anticipatory stress is just one of the possible reasons behind these perpetual feelings of sadness during the holidays. —Caitlin Pagán, Verywell Health, 18 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1664, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for anticipatory

• adjudicatory
• articulatory
• classificatory
• conciliatory
• congratulatory
• discriminatory
• ejaculatory
• emancipatory
• hallucinatory
• interlaboratory
• interrogatory
• investigatory

Legal Definition

anticipatory

adjective

an·​tic·​i·​pa·​tory an-ˈti-sə-pə-ˌtōr-ē 

: of or relating to a prior action that takes into account or forestalls a later action

an anticipatory challenge brought for declaratory and injunctive relief

—L. H. Tribe

anticipatorily

-ˌti-sə-pə-ˈtōr-ə-lē

adverb