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
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Recent Examples of anticipatory
Didion’s book illuminated anticipatory grief and gave me language for my experience.
—
Literary Hub, 16 Dec. 2025
Service is flawless and anticipatory—within a day or two, staff address hotel guests by name, remembering coffee and cocktail preferences during meals.
—Angelina Villa-Clarke, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Nov. 2025
Limited strikes can generate anticipatory displacement—families in border and coastal states who were undecided about leaving decide not to wait.
—Newsweek Staff, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Nov. 2025
As Sportico detailed, Pasadena and the RBOC sued UCLA a couple of weeks ago for breach of contract and anticipatory repudiation.
—Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 11 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for anticipatory
Literary Hub, 16 Dec. 2025
Service is flawless and anticipatory—within a day or two, staff address hotel guests by name, remembering coffee and cocktail preferences during meals.
—Angelina Villa-Clarke, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Nov. 2025
Limited strikes can generate anticipatory displacement—families in border and coastal states who were undecided about leaving decide not to wait.
—Newsweek Staff, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Nov. 2025
As Sportico detailed, Pasadena and the RBOC sued UCLA a couple of weeks ago for breach of contract and anticipatory repudiation.
—Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 11 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for anticipatory
Recent Examples of Synonyms for anticipatory
Adjective
-
Kool Gatyen Pajock was in a South Sudan hospital while a physiotherapist wrapped bandages around the 18-month-old’s legs under the watchful eye of his grandmother, Nyayual Chuol.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
25 Feb. 2026
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James played for the Miami Heat for four years under the watchful eye of Riley.—
Broderick Turner,
Los Angeles Times,
23 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Advertisement Get comfortable with silence A moment of silence can feel like an eternity, especially when the mic is in your hands and a sea of expectant eyes are staring right at you.—
Angela Haupt,
Time,
20 Feb. 2026
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On weekends for more than five years, volunteers at the East Plano Islamic Center have braved wind, cold and, recently, heckling protesters to pass out boxes of food to a long line of expectant cars.—
Dallas Morning News,
Dallas Morning News,
5 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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The line between enthusiastic support and invasive behavior can be thin, and Liu’s account suggests it got crossed.—
Hanna Wickes,
Charlotte Observer,
6 Mar. 2026
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These free, family-friendly gatherings showcase classic and custom vehicles, offering visitors a window into American automotive culture and a chance to chat with enthusiastic local collectors.—
Taylor Haught,
Miami Herald,
5 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The Middle East has a strong contingent of foreign workers, many from Asia – and many of them were just as eager to leave the region as short-term visitors.—
Marnie Hunter,
CNN Money,
4 Mar. 2026
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Now the nominees and other attendees work with armies of stylists who connect them to high profile designers that are eager to have their work seen on as big of a stage as the Oscars red carpet.—
Esther Zuckerman,
Vanity Fair,
3 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Don’t be too anxious for April and May, hoping for the perfect weather, the perfect bloom or the perfect Baltimore oriole to flash its black and orange colors.—
Sheryl De Vore,
Chicago Tribune,
2 Mar. 2026
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Women who are anxious, overwhelmed, or emotionally reactive get labeled as depressed or hormonal.—
Sarah Oreck,
SELF,
2 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Anticipatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/anticipatory. Accessed 7 Mar. 2026.
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