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
In typical Aman fashion, service is incredibly anticipatory and proactive.
—
Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 May 2026
In 2025, some Central Florida municipalities increased service fees — such as fire and stormwater fees — in part as an anticipatory measure of losing property tax revenue.
—Abigail Hasebroock, Sun Sentinel, 28 Apr. 2026
These Instagram pages offer a way to reach out before ever arriving on campus, potentially assuaging anticipatory worry and first-day awkwardness.
—Mary Frances Ruskell, CNN Money, 26 Apr. 2026
And also the anticipatory obedience by a lot of these news organizations who are more timid.
—Michael Schneider, Variety, 22 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for anticipatory
Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 May 2026
In 2025, some Central Florida municipalities increased service fees — such as fire and stormwater fees — in part as an anticipatory measure of losing property tax revenue.
—Abigail Hasebroock, Sun Sentinel, 28 Apr. 2026
These Instagram pages offer a way to reach out before ever arriving on campus, potentially assuaging anticipatory worry and first-day awkwardness.
—Mary Frances Ruskell, CNN Money, 26 Apr. 2026
And also the anticipatory obedience by a lot of these news organizations who are more timid.
—Michael Schneider, Variety, 22 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for anticipatory
Recent Examples of Synonyms for anticipatory
Adjective
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At a celebratory exhibition match last week in the capital, under the watchful eye of the supreme leader, Naegohyang faced off against the under-17s team, who just added an Asian Cup to their impressive array of silverware, trouncing Japan 5-1 in the final.—
Andrew McNicol,
CNN Money,
7 June 2026
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Eaton Canyon, at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains, has been closed to the public since the 2025 Eaton Fire, and regrowth is beginning to emerge, with watchful eyes monitoring its progress.—
Joy Benedict,
CBS News,
4 June 2026
Adjective
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But the research closely monitored the activity levels of expectant moms throughout pregnancy with fitness trackers, which is a more reliable method than simply asking the participants about their activity levels.—
Tom Gavin,
EverydayHealth.com,
28 May 2026
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Kris Jenner is a grandmother of 13, and over the years, her children have thrown fun, elaborate baby showers for their expectant bundles of joy.—
Zoey Lyttle,
PEOPLE,
22 May 2026
Adjective
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The first memorandum approval was enthusiastic.—
Nicolas Villamil,
The Orlando Sentinel,
28 May 2026
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Petro cited this statement at a public rally to enthusiastic applause.—
Roberto Andrés,
The Dial,
28 May 2026
Adjective
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The arch spans 78 feet and rises 65 feet high, drawing hikers eager to experience one of the region’s most striking landmarks.—
USA TODAY Network,
USA Today,
10 June 2026
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Even the president’s son is eager to find true love.—
Allison DeGrushe,
StyleCaster,
9 June 2026
Adjective
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At one end is the anxious, under‑saved retiree doing everything possible to stretch limited assets.—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
7 June 2026
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During the first week of the cell phone ban at my school, students were anxious about losing the constant stream of their music, the ability to maintain instant communication with friends, and the immediate access to their social media feeds.—
Sarah Said,
Chicago Tribune,
5 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Anticipatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/anticipatory. Accessed 12 Jun. 2026.
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