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
• alarum
• 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

His emotional, fourth-wall-breaking video could be either a legitimate, bitter farewell or the most brilliant performance of his career, designed to build maximum anticipation for a shocking comeback. —Andrew Ravens‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Aug. 2025

Commenters on the post shared their anticipation for the new Kansas City offering, specifically the Polly Hook area, which Donna confirmed in the comments. —Moná Thomas, People.com, 4 Aug. 2025

Monday’s shooting at the New York City building that houses the league’s offices has shaken that anticipation, as the country’s most popular sport has been affected by a uniquely American problem – gun violence. —Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 30 July 2025

There will be anticipation over what Moscow's next move will be, given that Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov reiterated on Sunday that Moscow would not cease the war in Ukraine until its goals were met. Update 7/28/25, 10:08 a.m. —Brendan Cole, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 July 2025