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 Film Winona, Forever Soraya Roberts Ryder has always been trapped in her own anticipatory nostalgia, and the public has always wanted to keep her there. hazlitt.net, 4 Jan. 2025 Sunday featured Maye’s most accurate performance as a pro, thanks to a growing knack for delivering anticipatory throws that beat tight coverage. Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 3 Dec. 2024 Inside federal offices, the mood has been tense and anticipatory. Erica L. Green, New York Times, 25 Jan. 2025 Mental Health Counseling For many caregivers, the emotional burden of watching a parent decline, navigating complex family dynamics, or processing anticipatory grief can be overwhelming. Carolyn Rosenblatt, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for anticipatory
Recent Examples of Synonyms for anticipatory
Adjective
  • By official count, there are about 6 million Catholics in China, but the number may be higher when counting those who practice at underground churches to avoid Beijing’s watchful eye.
    Nectar Gan, CNN Money, 22 Apr. 2025
  • Powell has signaled that the Fed is keeping a watchful eye on the impact of Mr. Trump's trade policies.
    Alain Sherter, CBS News, 21 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The vast majority of expectant parents in the United States don’t have access to the extreme-screening services provided by the likes of Orchid and Genomic Prediction, and thus don’t have to personally confront the ethical questions that the technology raises.
    Jessica Winter, New Yorker, 21 Apr. 2025
  • The expectant mom shared an adorable video on TikTok (@taylorlrodriguez) showing the moment Storm rested his head on her pregnant belly and felt the baby kick for the first time.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Taylor, a charming extrovert who can make anyone feel comfortable, is eager to help Avery find new friends and learn to flirt with women.
    Diya Chacko, Oc Register, 22 Apr. 2025
  • Confidence in core institutions is badly shaken, and many Americans are eager for leaders who can restore stability and uphold fundamental rights.
    Marc Lester, Baltimore Sun, 22 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Clarkson previously told Billboard that Martin was enthusiastic about the pitch from the start.
    Jessica Wang, EW.com, 1 May 2025
  • Once the team saw concrete productivity improvements, skepticism shifted to enthusiastic adoption.
    Vivek Vishal, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
Adjective
  • Professionally, Xavier is anxious about future tax exposure from his deferred compensation.
    Brian Lasher, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025
  • Another reason people put off going to bed is to avoid feeling anxious or restless, said James Rowley, MD, a sleep medicine expert at Rush University Medical Center and spokesperson for the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.
    Maggie O'Neill, Verywell Health, 30 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Anticipatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/anticipatory. Accessed 6 May. 2025.

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