ANTICIPATORY Synonyms: 26 Similar and Opposite Words

anticipatory

adjective

an-ˈti-sə-pə-ˌtȯr-ē

Definition of anticipatory

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

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 anticipatory Shapiro remembers the moment the anticipatory grief set in, years before the loss itself. — Lisa Respers France, CNN Money, 2 Aug. 2026 The Vikings loved his length, speed and anticipatory skills of this tone-setter. — Alec Lewis, New York Times, 27 July 2026 Not only was his son well-cared for, but the home provided bereavement support and an opportunity for the family to address anticipatory grief. — Madeline Mitchell, USA Today, 20 July 2026 Donaldson, the rookie from UM, flashes creativity and anticipatory skills as a passer. — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 17 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for anticipatory

Recent Examples of Synonyms for anticipatory

Adjective

Along the way, Michael develops an unlikely friendship with Kacey (Lauren Patel), while navigating the demands of his boss Gordon (Crook) and the watchful eyes of nosy neighbours Bev (Sophie Willan) and Clive (Jon Pointing).

— Jake Kanter, Deadline, 8 Sep. 2026
South of Valencia along the Costa Blanca is Alicante, a walkable port city and an outdoor lover’s paradise with parks, gardens, and historic plazas unfold beneath the watchful eye of a 9th-century castle.

— Condé Nast Traveler, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of watchful

Adjective

English also included a selfie of the expectant parents, who got engaged in December, with smiles on their faces.

— Kayla Grant, PEOPLE, 31 Aug. 2026
The Call Her Daddy host, who is pregnant with her first child, has been clearing out other expectant moms' baby registries on social media.

— Emma Hinchliffe, Fortune, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of expectant

Adjective

That feels very much in tune with the anxious characters Eisenberg has played over the course of his acting career, but this whole directing thing is working out nicely for him, too.

— Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 6 Sep. 2026
Nelson remembers hushing her foster children back to sleep that night and calling 911, anxious for an end to those sleepless nights.

— Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of anxious

Browse Nearby Words

anticipations

anticipatory

anticlimactic

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“Anticipatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/anticipatory. Accessed 13 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of anticipatory

adjective

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