anticipatory

adjective

an-ˈti-sə-pə-ˌtȯr-ē How to pronounce anticipatory (audio)
Definition of anticipatorynext
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

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 That mantra has become the anticipatory soundtrack to Crow-Armstrong’s greatest moments as a Cub. — Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 18 Aug. 2026 Why shouldn’t the anticipatory pleasure of lines contribute to the experience? — Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 10 Aug. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for anticipatory
Recent Examples of Synonyms for anticipatory
  1. watchful
  2. expectant
  3. enthusiastic
  4. eager
  5. anxious
Adjective
  • The sanctuary gave her space to socialize and play in a setting close to her natural habitat under the watchful eyes of adoptive gorilla mothers.
    — Elodie Toto, Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2026
  • John has been groomed by his parents—under the watchful eye of the Guardians—to eventually replace the rule-defying and frequently reckless Hal, who lost both parents.
    — Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of watchful
Adjective
  • The crowds outside a major fashion show often start to form a few hours in advance, with expectant fans hoping to spot their favorite celebrities.
    — José Criales-Unzueta, Vanity Fair, 28 Sep. 2026
  • 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
Definition of expectant
Adjective
  • Support from the faculty was enthusiastic, and Louise worked closely with professors in many departments to ensure the museum’s exhibitions complemented their classes.
    — Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026
  • In that raucous public square known as Reddit, anti-Trumpers are planning protests, evidence that Trump should not expect an overwhelmingly enthusiastic welcome in the traditionally red Sunflower State.
    — Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of enthusiastic
Adjective
  • A couple of days before the Ann Demeulemeester show at Paris Fashion Week, eager models are standing in the foyer of the brand’s studio in the Marais, waiting patiently with their picture in hand.
    — Lucy Maguire, Vogue, 21 Oct. 2026
  • But why are these other streamers so eager to get in the creator business?
    — Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of eager
Adjective
  • There’s also reassuring initial bite at the top of the travel, yet the setup doesn’t feel grabby or overly anxious in everyday driving situations.
    — Bradley Iger, Robb Report, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Gong’s collection followed the emotional arc of unrequited love, from the first spark and the anxious wait to the social-media sleuthing, a date, and the sudden disappearance that follows.
    — Tianwei Zhang, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of anxious

Browse Nearby Words

anticipations
anticipatory
anticlimactic
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Anticipatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/anticipatory. Accessed 23 Oct. 2026.

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