Synonyms of anticipation

anticipation

noun

(ˌ)an-ˌti-sə-ˈpā-shən 

as in expectation

the act or state of looking forward to some occurrence

in anticipation of a job offer, she had already begun looking for an apartment in the city where the company was based

Synonyms & Similar Words

• expectation
• expectancy
• expectance
• contemplation
• prospect
• dread
• apprehension
• alarm
• foreboding
• misgiving

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun anticipation differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of anticipation are foretaste, outlook, and prospect. While all these words mean "an advance realization of something to come," anticipation implies a prospect or outlook that involves advance suffering or enjoyment of what is foreseen.

the anticipation of her arrival

When is it sensible to use foretaste instead of anticipation?

While the synonyms foretaste and anticipation are close in meaning, foretaste implies an actual though brief or partial experience of something forthcoming.

the frost was a foretaste of winter

In what contexts can outlook take the place of anticipation?

In some situations, the words outlook and anticipation are roughly equivalent. However, outlook suggests a forecasting of the future.

a favorable outlook for the economy

When could prospect be used to replace anticipation?

Although the words prospect and anticipation have much in common, prospect implies expectation of a particular event, condition, or development of definite interest or concern.

the prospect of a quiet weekend

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of anticipation

Hours before posting the photo, Murphy had already been building anticipation. —Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 25 Mar. 2026

But at the very least, the YouTube release caused excitement and word-of-mouth anticipation for the official March 13 release. —Angie Martoccio, Rolling Stone, 23 Mar. 2026

Across the region, anticipation for the group’s arrival is palpable. —Mitchell McCluskey, CNN Money, 22 Mar. 2026

The first ep debuts tomorrow night (March 21) at 10pm UK local time, with anticipation building ahead of launch. —Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 20 Mar. 2026