anticipatory

adjective

an-ˈti-sə-pə-ˌtȯr-ē How to pronounce anticipatory (audio)
Definition of anticipatorynext
as in watchful
having or showing signs of eagerly awaiting something couldn't control his anticipatory excitement on Christmas morning

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of anticipatory But building anticipatory buzz is one thing; paying it off is another. — Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 31 Aug. 2026 That mantra has become the anticipatory soundtrack to Crow-Armstrong’s greatest moments as a Cub. — Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 18 Aug. 2026 Why shouldn’t the anticipatory pleasure of lines contribute to the experience? — Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 10 Aug. 2026 Shapiro remembers the moment the anticipatory grief set in, years before the loss itself. — Lisa Respers France, CNN Money, 2 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for anticipatory
Recent Examples of Synonyms for anticipatory
  1. watchful
  2. expectant
  3. enthusiastic
  4. eager
  5. anxious
Adjective
  • Blink Indoor Camera Deal Keep a watchful eye on your indoor spaces using the Blink Mini 2K+ Indoor Camera.
    — Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 29 Oct. 2026
  • Moments of anonymity were few and far between for Taylor, who was also under the watchful eye of Larry during that time.
    — Angela Andaloro, PEOPLE, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of watchful
Adjective
  • But on the night of September 3, 1997, the stakes were especially high for expectant parents.
    — Jane Bua, New Yorker, 2 Nov. 2026
  • In her carousel post, the expectant mom shared several throwback photos of herself and Ruben from their wedding day.
    — Kayla Grant, PEOPLE, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of expectant
Adjective
  • During the day, activities center around lectures, delivered by enthusiastic expedition team members.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Oct. 2026
  • Six months later, management wonders why someone who was once among its most enthusiastic employees seems disengaged.
    — Jason Richmond, Forbes.com, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of enthusiastic
Adjective
  • Most residents in Flagler Village are eager to see more tall towers built, according to Glassman.
    — Susannah Bryan, Sun Sentinel, 29 Oct. 2026
  • Recast as geometry, the old identities now point toward unmapped territory, raising questions that mathematicians are eager to explore.
    — Lyndie Chiou, Scientific American, 29 Oct. 2026
Definition of eager
Adjective
  • Rushing to your appointment, feeling anxious, or drinking caffeine can raise your blood pressure.
    — Brandi Jones, Verywell Health, 29 Oct. 2026
  • Many in Iran are anxious about a possible return to all-out war.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of anxious

Browse Nearby Words

anticipations
anticipatory
anticlimactic
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Anticipatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/anticipatory. Accessed 5 Nov. 2026.

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