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Synonyms

anticipatory

American  
[an-tis-uh-puh-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee] / ænˈtɪs ə pəˌtɔr i, -ˌtoʊr i /

adjective

  1. of, showing, or expressing anticipation.

Other Word Forms

  • anticipatorily adverb
  • nonanticipatorily adverb
  • nonanticipatory adjective

Etymology

Origin of anticipatory

First recorded in 1660–70; anticipate + -ory 1

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.

Here are a few strategies for keeping anticipatory anxiety at bay.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 4, 2026

It felt like he had that level of power, and everyone essentially acquiesced and you had this sort of anticipatory obedience.

From Slate • Mar. 30, 2026

Asked why the numbers were not higher, Pace highlighted "anticipatory action, being ready".

From Barron's • Nov. 5, 2025

A moment of anticipatory transition is frozen, made perpetual.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 16, 2025

She would have been thrilled at the prospect of seeing an important collection of ferns, and even felt some anticipatory tummy rumbles at the thought of eating what promised to be a truly delicious meal.

From "The Hidden Gallery" by Maryrose Wood

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

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.