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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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 Now, researchers have discovered that this anticipatory activation is powered by pockets of glycogen in POMC neurons. — Isabella Backman, Hartford Courant, 12 June 2026 The younger 10-month-old infants showed no evidence of anticipatory predictions in either condition. — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 1 June 2026 Strategic foresight and anticipatory risk were at the top. — Christine Lentz, Fortune, 29 May 2026 Being middle class comes with a fear of losing a specific sense of safety; the existential quest is finding out if there’s more to life than clutching onto your stuff in anticipatory panic. — Francesco Pacifico, The Dial, 12 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for anticipatory

Recent Examples of Synonyms for anticipatory

Adjective

Some travelers swear by putting Champagne in a carry-on (purchased at duty-free after security) to keep it under their watchful eye.

— Paul Jebara, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 July 2026
An afternoon at Barton Springs will feel just like childhood summers spent at the neighborhood pool or camp lake with locals swimming laps, kids cannonballing off the diving board, and lifeguards with their watchful eye.

— Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 16 July 2026

Definition of watchful

Adjective

Like most expectant parents, Briana Faucette heard the typical warnings about sleepless nights.

— Roni Robbins, AJC.com, 20 July 2026
Now, a ritual for expectant parents who are prepping for a momentous life change and want to squeeze in a little rest, relaxation, and quiet time before the baby comes and shakes things up!

— Kara Nesvig, Parents, 15 July 2026

Definition of expectant

Adjective

If her dialogue sometimes seems too eager to articulate the screenwriters’ own ethical arguments, that’s a small price to pay for a thriller so committed to exploring the impressive reach of violence.

— Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 22 July 2026
During the interview, Hudson said that Wells was eager to celebrate the holiday on the island.

— Adam England, PEOPLE, 22 July 2026

Definition of eager

Adjective

Meditation, deep breathing, physical exercise or something as simple as doing laundry can interrupt the cycle of anxious searching.

— Rachel Hale, USA Today, 19 July 2026
Students are less anxious about money, less overwhelmed; their physical and mental health has improved.

— Jay A. Perman, Baltimore Sun, 18 July 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 27 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of anticipatory

adjective

Example Sentences

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