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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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 Bitcoin prices rallied above $100,000 on Wednesday, January 15, recovering from their recent drop below $90,000 as anticipation surrounding crucial policy decisions propelled the digital currency higher. Charles Lloyd Bovaird Ii, Forbes, 15 Jan. 2025 While the Trill rapper hasn’t revealed who will be joining him onstage this year, more details are expected in the coming weeks to keep the anticipation building. Shelby Stewart, Essence, 10 Jan. 2025 The anticipation and excitement around the old market town, in pretty much the centre of England, has been rising ever since the National League side, the fifth tier of English football, were paired with one of English football’s elite clubs. Rob Tanner, The Athletic, 9 Jan. 2025 This little stretch of coastline was uncrowded and peaceful, with just a few other beachgoers sitting in anticipation of the sunrise, looking for shells or fishing. Patrick Connolly, Orlando Sentinel, 10 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for anticipation 

Thesaurus Entries Near anticipation

Cite this Entry

“Anticipation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/anticipation. Accessed 2 Feb. 2025.

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