anticipation

noun

(ˌ)an-ˌti-sə-ˈpā-shən How to pronounce anticipation (audio)
Definition of anticipationnext
as in expectation
the act or state of looking forward to some occurrence in anticipation of a job offer, she had already begun looking for an apartment in the city where the company was based

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Synonym Chooser

How does the noun anticipation differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of anticipation are foretaste, outlook, and prospect. While all these words mean "an advance realization of something to come," anticipation implies a prospect or outlook that involves advance suffering or enjoyment of what is foreseen.

the anticipation of her arrival

When is it sensible to use foretaste instead of anticipation?

While the synonyms foretaste and anticipation are close in meaning, foretaste implies an actual though brief or partial experience of something forthcoming.

the frost was a foretaste of winter

In what contexts can outlook take the place of anticipation?

In some situations, the words outlook and anticipation are roughly equivalent. However, outlook suggests a forecasting of the future.

a favorable outlook for the economy

When could prospect be used to replace anticipation?

Although the words prospect and anticipation have much in common, prospect implies expectation of a particular event, condition, or development of definite interest or concern.

the prospect of a quiet weekend

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 anticipation Sign Up for Our Free Daily Newsletter NASA’s newest telescope is officially on its way to deep space after more than a decade of development and high anticipation. — Claire Cameron, Scientific American, 30 Aug. 2026 Go for a Statement-Making Gate Gates are a great way to create a sense of anticipation when approaching the home. — Shagun Khare, The Spruce, 30 Aug. 2026 As the clock edges toward midnight on October 27, book stores and e-tailers across the globe will be blushing with anticipation. — Kyle MacNeill, Vogue, 28 Aug. 2026 There is much anticipation for closing arguments today, and potentially a verdict, in this case that has captured the nation's attention. — Sumiko Corley, NBC news, 27 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for anticipation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for anticipation
  1. expectation
  2. expectancy
  3. expectance
Noun
  • The number of jobs added in August was more than double economists’ expectations.
    — Alicia Wallace, CNN Money, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Yet the demands of being F1’s most famous and successful team mean expectations, both internally and externally, will only be satisfied when the championship drought, dating back to 2008, finally ends.
    — Luke Smith, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of expectation
Noun
  • With women’s life average expectancy at 82 years, and many living well into their 90s, some women may experience 30 years of living in retirement independently.
    — Angie O’Leary, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Just a funny feeling — nervousness, expectancy, and wondering what was going to happen next.
    — Robert McGreevy, FOXNews.com, 6 June 2026
Definition of expectancy
Noun
  • Giannina Altuve posted video of the family celebrating the expectance of their second child on Sunday afternoon.
    — Houston Chronicle, Houston Chronicle, 11 Nov. 2019
Definition of expectance

Browse Nearby Words

anticipating
anticipation
anticipations
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Cite this Entry

“Anticipation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/anticipation. Accessed 6 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on anticipation

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about anticipation

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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