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
Williams did a nice job with an anticipatory throw to Moore for third-and-5 for a first down.
—
Kevin Fishbain, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2025
While it could be argued that there’s no bad place to stay in such a dreamy locale, World’s Best Awards voters would be the first to point out that certain touches—like anticipatory service and an expansive slate of programming—can take a visit to this region from wonderful to wow-worthy.
—Sarah Bruning, Travel + Leisure, 8 July 2025
Fear around the upcoming adjustment, anticipatory anxiety, and positive emotions such as excitement can also trigger them to act out.
—Sherri Gordon, Parents, 24 June 2025
Some legal experts also argue that anticipatory self defense — under which a state has not been attacked, but determines that a foreign attack is imminent — is legal under international law.
—Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 24 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for anticipatory
Kevin Fishbain, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2025
While it could be argued that there’s no bad place to stay in such a dreamy locale, World’s Best Awards voters would be the first to point out that certain touches—like anticipatory service and an expansive slate of programming—can take a visit to this region from wonderful to wow-worthy.
—Sarah Bruning, Travel + Leisure, 8 July 2025
Fear around the upcoming adjustment, anticipatory anxiety, and positive emotions such as excitement can also trigger them to act out.
—Sherri Gordon, Parents, 24 June 2025
Some legal experts also argue that anticipatory self defense — under which a state has not been attacked, but determines that a foreign attack is imminent — is legal under international law.
—Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 24 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for anticipatory
Recent Examples of Synonyms for anticipatory
Adjective
-
An earnest and thoughtful executive with a warm, open demeanor, Pinault was seated at Monday’s interview under a large black-and-white painting of an owl, the mascot for Kering — and a metaphor for his watchful eyes on shifting consumer sentiment and economic fluctuations.—
Miles Socha,
Footwear News,
9 Sep. 2025
-
Williams said staff will be extra watchful as students process Wilson’s death.—
Kendrick Calfee,
Kansas City Star,
4 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Sanders said, referring to an expectant audience.—
Mia Cathell,
The Washington Examiner,
7 Sep. 2025
-
Franciscan Dyer to host free baby expo Franciscan Health Dyer is hosting a free baby expo for expectant families and new parents, a release said.—
Post-Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
31 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
The opposition leader maintains close ties with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, one of the most enthusiastic proponents in the Cabinet of this particular naval buildup.—
Gisela Salim-Peyer,
The Atlantic,
12 Sep. 2025
-
In the same piece from Heyman, Phillies president of baseball operations David Dombrowski gave an even more enthusiastic quote about a potential Schwarber reunion.—
Jackson Roberts,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Employees are eager to experiment with AI tools, but unclear policies and a lack of training fuel secrecy instead of confidence.—
Caroline Castrillon,
Forbes.com,
9 Sep. 2025
-
Wrapped in a bulky down jacket, Putin greeted residents eager to meet him.—
Yegor Mostovshikov,
The Dial,
9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Maddie is talented, warm, funny and kind but also anxious, plagued with low self-esteem cultivated by a traumatic childhood.—
Jourdain Searles,
HollywoodReporter,
7 Sep. 2025
-
The other may be unsure, though not opposed, but anxious about leaving family and community.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
7 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Anticipatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/anticipatory. Accessed 14 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share