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 Donaldson, the rookie from UM, flashes creativity and anticipatory skills as a passer. — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 17 July 2026 Bloody conflicts over territory, mates, and more are common in social animals, and several species have their own anticipatory behaviors to prepare when a fight looks imminent. — Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 16 July 2026 Ultimately, anticipatory anxiety should be a catalyst for becoming more adaptable and intentional in developing valuable human qualities, regardless of technological advancements. — Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026 Now, researchers have discovered that this anticipatory activation is powered by pockets of glycogen in POMC neurons. — Isabella Backman, Hartford Courant, 12 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for anticipatory
Recent Examples of Synonyms for anticipatory
  1. watchful
  2. expectant
  3. enthusiastic
  4. eager
  5. anxious
Adjective
  • Haunted Mansion props on the parade floats will include the conservatory casket, cryptic gravestones, gargoyle candleholders, watchful busts, haunted armor and stretching room portraits.
    — Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 18 Aug. 2026
  • The footage offers a peek into Kio’s surroundings, including zebra and giraffe neighbors who tower over the cub, and smaller animals who keep a watchful eye on the growing big cat.
    — Kelli Bender, PEOPLE, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of watchful
Adjective
  • The Call Her Daddy host, who is pregnant with her first child, has been clearing out other expectant moms' baby registries on social media.
    — Emma Hinchliffe, Fortune, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Several of their fellow WWE superstars, including Alexa Bliss, Damien Priest, Liv Morgan, Nia Jax, Lash Legend, LA Knight and Iyo Sky also showed up to support the expectant parents on their special day.
    — Kayla Grant, PEOPLE, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of expectant
Adjective
  • The response within Meta was anything but enthusiastic, however.
    — Joshua Hong, Fortune, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Ron pulls off the speech and gets an enthusiastic round of applause.
    — Barry Levitt, Los Angeles Times, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of enthusiastic
Adjective
  • Penguin Random House, largest seller of books, and most eager to sell them best, testified in court that the sales of only 4 percent of its books effectively subsidized the rest.
    — M. C. Mah, Literary Hub, 19 Aug. 2026
  • The race has already inflamed tensions within the Democratic Party over how to energize liberal voters eager for unapologetic, combative candidates while not alienating independents and moderates who have been key to winning in battlegrounds.
    — Matt Brown, Fortune, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of eager
Adjective
  • Fortunately for the anxious among us, and less fortunately for those still loyal to the dying rituals of interpersonal correspondence, Cynthia has recently moved to online reservations.
    — Helen Rosner, New Yorker, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Yet even the president’s die-hard supporters are becoming more anxious about the costs associated with the war.
    — Zac Anderson, USA Today, 15 Aug. 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 23 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on anticipatory

Nglish: Translation of anticipatory for Spanish Speakers

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