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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 Not only was his son well-cared for, but the home provided bereavement support and an opportunity for the family to address anticipatory grief. — Madeline Mitchell, USA Today, 20 July 2026 Donaldson, the rookie from UM, flashes creativity and anticipatory skills as a passer. — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 17 July 2026 Bloody conflicts over territory, mates, and more are common in social animals, and several species have their own anticipatory behaviors to prepare when a fight looks imminent. — Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 16 July 2026 Ultimately, anticipatory anxiety should be a catalyst for becoming more adaptable and intentional in developing valuable human qualities, regardless of technological advancements. — Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for anticipatory

Recent Examples of Synonyms for anticipatory

Adjective

Views extend to the valley of the Kosi River on one side and the Binsar Forest on the other, all under the watchful gaze of the upper Himalayas, including the divine Nanda Devi peak.

— Jasreen Mayal Khanna, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Sep. 2026
Located at the very north end of Napa Valley, the winery has changed hands a few times but today it is owned by Jackson Family Wines and is under the watchful eye of Barbara Banke and her children.

— Mike DeSimone, Robb Report, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of watchful

Adjective

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
The Call Her Daddy host, who is pregnant with her first child, has been clearing out other expectant moms' baby registries on social media.

— Emma Hinchliffe, Fortune, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of expectant

Adjective

Bell, however, couldn’t be more enthusiastic for the opportunity.

— Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 30 Aug. 2026
The other clock hiding inside it The TC001 has attracted an enthusiastic home-automation following because it can be used with AWTRIX, an open-source firmware and ecosystem designed around small LED matrix displays.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of enthusiastic

Adjective

Time will tell how immediate Kroenke’s impact will be, though the Angels are eager to find out.

— Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2026
But lawmakers of both parties are eager to avoid another impasse and would prefer to get back to their districts to campaign before the election.

— Bart Jansen, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of eager

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 6 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of anticipatory

adjective

Example Sentences

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