Synonyms

anticipated

American

[an-tis-uh-pey-tid] / ænˈtɪs əˌpeɪ tɪd /

adjective

predicted, foreseen, or expected.

New, more efficient heating equipment will lower your energy bills, and the installment payments are calculated so that they can be offset by the anticipated energy savings.
looked forward to.

The hotly anticipated sequel is set to be released on November 14.

verb

the simple past tense and past participle of anticipate.

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of anticipated

anticipate ( def. ) + -ed ² ( def. )

Explanation

If you've ever waited hopefully for an event to happen, then you know when something is anticipated. A newscaster calling out the winning numbers of your lottery ticket might be highly anticipated. Anticipated generally came with a little bit of hope and a little bit of anxiety. If getting into college is an anticipated moment, you may feel butterflies in your stomach, even as you imagine yourself strolling across the perfectly manicured campus lawns. Anticipated can also mean that you expected something to happen and that you were therefore prepared for it. If a difficult French test is anticipated, you may have baked your teacher cookies to sweeten her up — or maybe you studied.

Keep Reading on Vocabulary.com

Vocabulary lists containing anticipated

“About Edward Jenner” from the Jenner Institute

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

"The Hunger Games" Vocabulary from Chapter 24

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

The Meaning of Maggie

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Anticipated lower headline inflation from Friday’s consumer price index reading could support a near-term Federal Reserve rate cut, potentially benefiting cryptocurrencies.

From Barron's • Feb. 11, 2026

Anticipated witnesses include a handwriting specialist from Vienna and experts on Schiele, an early-1900s Expressionist whose art has soared in value in recent years.

From New York Times • May 9, 2024

Anticipated movements of people and infrastructure assets away from hazardous areas were highlighted, indicating an urgent need for comprehensive adaptation planning.

From Science Daily • Jan. 2, 2024

Anticipated growth in "nearshoring," as companies relocate to Mexico to be closer to U.S. customers, could deepen those labor shortages, according to Mexican manufacturing association INDEX.

From Reuters • Nov. 24, 2023

Anticipated in their dirty work, our comrades were in no mood to be sociable with the fortunate party.

From Captain Canot or, Twenty Years of an African Slaver by Mayer, Brantz

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023