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

Relevance

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

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 anticipation Each month has brought about an amazing release; building anticipation for the time to come. Okla Jones, Essence, 3 Sep. 2025 After nine months of anticipation, Bill Belichick’s college debut started with pregame hype and hope and a pristine opening drive. David Ubben, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2025 The tour announcement comes in anticipation of her album Midnight Sun. Tomás Mier, Rolling Stone, 2 Sep. 2025 Although Law’s casting as Putin captivated the lion’s share of the anticipation heading into the premiere, the film is very much Dano’s. Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 31 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for anticipation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for anticipation
Noun
  • The company boasted results that pointed to Chili’s consistent traffic and sales performance, and also guided its fiscal year 2026 earnings per share estimates slightly above analysts’ expectations, according to FactSet.
    Pia Singh, CNBC, 4 Sep. 2025
  • How toxic workplaces emerge When managers fail to set clear expectations, communicate openly and model respectful behavior, dysfunction spreads and a toxic workplace is born.
    Alora Bopray, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Such is the expectancy around Arsenal now, a 1-0 loss to a bewitching free kick, the kind of sudden inspiration that decides a close and claustrophobic game, hit the team hard.
    Amy Lawrence, New York Times, 1 Sep. 2025
  • Leaders who cultivate a sense of expectancy are more likely to see opportunities that others miss.
    Cheryl Robinson, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
Noun
  • Giannina Altuve posted video of the family celebrating the expectance of their second child on Sunday afternoon.
    Houston Chronicle, Houston Chronicle, 11 Nov. 2019

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Anticipation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/anticipation. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on anticipation

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!