as in watchful
having or showing signs of eagerly awaiting something
couldn't control his anticipatory excitement on Christmas morning
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of anticipatory
The glint and thrum of Y2K aesthetics—as contrasted with the droning conservatism of the white-collar office—read as anticipatory rather than melancholic, looking toward a future liberated from systems of old.
—
Lauren Michele Jackson, New Yorker, 23 Aug. 2025
Williams did a nice job with an anticipatory throw to Moore for third-and-5 for a first down.
—Kevin Fishbain, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2025
Many family caregivers experience anticipatory grief in the months or years leading up to a loved one's death, said Christina Irving, Client Services Director for the Family Caregiver Alliance.
—Madeline Mitchell, USA Today, 12 June 2025
The service is anticipatory, the spa a destination in itself with treatments such as the Red-Carpet Glam Facial and luxurious Golden Glow Manicure, and the dining—led by celebrity chef Daniel Boulud—ensures that even staying in feels like an event.
—Melinda Sheckells, HollywoodReporter, 3 Sep. 2019
See All Example Sentences for anticipatory
Lauren Michele Jackson, New Yorker, 23 Aug. 2025
Williams did a nice job with an anticipatory throw to Moore for third-and-5 for a first down.
—Kevin Fishbain, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2025
Many family caregivers experience anticipatory grief in the months or years leading up to a loved one's death, said Christina Irving, Client Services Director for the Family Caregiver Alliance.
—Madeline Mitchell, USA Today, 12 June 2025
The service is anticipatory, the spa a destination in itself with treatments such as the Red-Carpet Glam Facial and luxurious Golden Glow Manicure, and the dining—led by celebrity chef Daniel Boulud—ensures that even staying in feels like an event.
—Melinda Sheckells, HollywoodReporter, 3 Sep. 2019
See All Example Sentences for anticipatory
Recent Examples of Synonyms for anticipatory
Adjective
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Their watchful eyes and swift response can make all the difference in a water emergency.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
30 Sep. 2025
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In honor of the October 31-holiday, the network has gathered together comedians Patton Oswalt, Rachel Dratch, Leslie Jones and Adam Pally to test their skills in the kitchen — all under the watchful eyes of judges Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith.—
Dave Quinn,
PEOPLE,
29 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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On Wednesday, July 16, the expectant mom confirmed the exciting news of her pregnancy through a series of photos on Instagram, including a couple of shots of her with the comedian, a sonogram snap and memes from Love Island USA's latest season and Spongebob Squarepants.—
Kayla Grant,
PEOPLE,
26 Sep. 2025
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Industry players were alert and expectant, even as costs at home remain high.—
Mayu Saini,
Sourcing Journal,
18 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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While Jones’ daughter, Clara, sent her a heartfelt message, Bush Hager's girls, Mila and Poppy, looked less enthusiastic, making their mom burst out laughing.—
Rachel McRady,
PEOPLE,
25 Sep. 2025
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Chock truly believes love can be found at any age and is enthusiastic about finding that spark again.—
Jason Pham,
StyleCaster,
25 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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This isn’t necessarily surprising, given that the last four episodes of the season were released September 3, meaning most eager audiences are likely to have caught up by now.—
Katie Campione,
Deadline,
30 Sep. 2025
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Henry’s blend of swoony love and spicy romance with compelling characters has rocketed her to the top of the bestseller lists, and fans are eager to see how that might translate to film success.—
Kate Erbland,
IndieWire,
30 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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In the cold and austere German winter (a far cry from Dakar’s physical and cultural warmth), an anxious Nourou acts up outside a hotel and is accosted by a Polish security guard, setting off a minor chain reaction in which Maja intervenes on his behalf, much to his chagrin.—
Siddhant Adlakha,
Variety,
28 Sep. 2025
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Right now, CEOs are both bullish and anxious.—
Mike Hoffman,
Fortune,
28 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Anticipatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/anticipatory. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.
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