anticipation

noun

an·​tic·​i·​pa·​tion (ˌ)an-ˌti-sə-ˈpā-shən How to pronounce anticipation (audio)
1
a
: a prior action that takes into account or forestalls a later action
hired more security guards in anticipation of a large crowd
b
: the act of looking forward
especially : pleasurable expectation
looked forward with anticipation to their arrival
2
: the use of money before it is available
3
a
: visualization of a future event or state
b
: an object or form that anticipates a later type
4
: the early sounding of one or more tones of a succeeding chord to form a temporary dissonance compare suspension
Choose the Right Synonym for anticipation

prospect, outlook, anticipation, foretaste mean an advance realization of something to come.

prospect implies expectation of a particular event, condition, or development of definite interest or concern.

the prospect of a quiet weekend

outlook suggests a forecasting of the future.

a favorable outlook for the economy

anticipation implies a prospect or outlook that involves advance suffering or enjoyment of what is foreseen.

the anticipation of her arrival

foretaste implies an actual though brief or partial experience of something forthcoming.

the frost was a foretaste of winter

Examples of anticipation in a Sentence

She had a feeling of great anticipation before her graduation ceremony. He looked forward to the party with anticipation.
Recent Examples on the Web Picks aren't permanent, and can be quickly traded, generating even more anticipation during the draft. Susan Tompor, Detroit Free Press, 14 Mar. 2024 Mortgage rates tend to track the yield on 10-year US Treasuries, which move based on a combination of anticipation about the Fed actions, what the Fed actually does and investors’ reactions. Anna Bahney, CNN, 14 Mar. 2024 Candy companies were convinced an extra hour of evening light on Halloween would give kids more time to collect more candy — and in turn get adults to buy more of it in anticipation. Zoë Schlanger, Quartz, 8 Mar. 2024 The anticipation is mounting as the April 2024 total solar eclipse approaches. The Arizona Republic, 8 Mar. 2024 However, what many viewers didn’t expect to see the past week while waiting in anticipation for the eggs to hatch was the two birds fighting over who would keep the eggs warm in the nest. Kimberlee Speakman, Peoplemag, 5 Mar. 2024 After two years of anticipation, fans can finally see the film in theaters this Friday. Malia Mendez, Los Angeles Times, 29 Feb. 2024 Paul Salib, the CEO of CRP, expressed his anticipation for the project. Marcus D. Smith, Sacramento Bee, 24 Feb. 2024 The Anticipated Rate Reversal The financial world buzzes with anticipation of interest rate reductions in 2024. Danny Kattan, Forbes, 23 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'anticipation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

see anticipate

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of anticipation was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near anticipation

Cite this Entry

“Anticipation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/anticipation. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

anticipation

noun
an·​tic·​i·​pa·​tion (ˌ)an-ˌtis-ə-ˈpā-shən How to pronounce anticipation (audio)
1
: an earlier action that takes into account and deals with or prevents a later action
2
: pleasurable expectation
3
: the act of providing for an expected event or state
anticipatory
an-ˈtis-ə-pə-ˌtōr-ē
-ˌtȯr-
adjective

Medical Definition

anticipation

noun
an·​tic·​i·​pa·​tion (ˌ)an-ˌtis-ə-ˈpā-shən How to pronounce anticipation (audio)
1
: occurrence (as of a disease or symptom) before the normal or expected time
2
: mental attitude that influences a later response

Legal Definition

anticipation

noun
an·​ti·​ci·​pa·​tion an-ˌti-sə-ˈpā-shən How to pronounce anticipation (audio)
: the knowledge or use of an invention in the U.S. or the patenting or describing of the invention in a publication in the U.S. or a foreign country before the discovery by a patent applicant

Note: Case law has established that every claim or element of a claim has to be disclosed in the prior art in order for a patent application to be barred by anticipation. If an application is amended to consist of claims not disclosed in the prior art, invalidation by anticipation can be avoided.

More from Merriam-Webster on anticipation

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!