as in watchful
having or showing signs of eagerly awaiting something
couldn't control his anticipatory excitement on Christmas morning
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
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
Happiness mingled with a kind of anticipatory grief.
—Susan Young, PEOPLE, 10 May 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for anticipatory
Francesco Pacifico, The Dial, 12 May 2026
Happiness mingled with a kind of anticipatory grief.
—Susan Young, PEOPLE, 10 May 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for anticipatory
Recent Examples of Synonyms for anticipatory
Adjective
-
For generations, neighborhoods had park programs, church leagues, YMCAs, summer jobs, youth clubs and local hangouts where teenagers could spend time under the watchful eyes of caring adults.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
19 June 2026
-
Their watchful eyes and swift response can make all the difference in a water emergency.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
18 June 2026
Adjective
-
In pictures, Taylor Parker looked like a happy expectant mom with her boyfriend Wade Griffin.—
Erin Jensen,
USA Today,
12 June 2026
-
That means there are precautions that expectant fathers can take that don’t involve testosterone replacement therapy (TRT).—
Keith Wagstaff,
Los Angeles Times,
10 June 2026
Adjective
-
Siskel panned it, but Ebert gave it an enthusiastic thumbs-up.—
Linnea Wicklund,
Chicago Tribune,
19 June 2026
-
His soft opening events have brought in enthusiastic batters and sports fans.—
Jenna Thompson
June 18,
Kansas City Star,
18 June 2026
Adjective
-
Now, the 49‑year‑old turns his attention to an NBA roster headlined by Flagg and a Mavericks team eager to return to championship contention.—
Doug Myers,
CBS News,
24 June 2026
-
Some ships, eager to get out of harm’s the war’s way, may have their vessels towed tug their boats out of the strait before they’re cleaned.—
David Goldman,
CNN Money,
23 June 2026
Adjective
-
Though fans are anxious to see Andrade return to more events, her job in Rio is done.—
Caroline Price,
Forbes.com,
21 June 2026
-
Homeless, his body torn, Odysseus needs to get back to her and Telemachus, his anxious son, and to clean up the mess.—
David Denby,
New Yorker,
21 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Anticipatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/anticipatory. Accessed 25 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
