anticipatory

American  

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

adjective

1. of, showing, or expressing anticipation.

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Other Word Forms

• anticipatorily
  adverb
• nonanticipatorily
  adverb
• nonanticipatory
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of anticipatory

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

Explanation

Anticipatory describes the feeling you get when you know what’s coming. It can also describe something that happens because something else is going to happen later — like that anticipatory excitement you feel the night before a big party. Anything anticipatory has to do with realizing something beforehand, or anticipating. It’s related to the feelings you get while waiting and preparing for something. Sometimes the worst part of being sick isn’t the feeling itself, but the anticipatory anxiety about getting sick again. It’s not the same as a sixth sense, but Spiderman’s spidey sense is anticipatory because it alerts him to future danger.

Example Sentences

He also noted a failure to follow the "appropriate guidelines and anticipatory care plan in place for Archie", which would have led to a consultation with an infection specialist.

From BBC • May 5, 2026

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

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 4, 2026

The judge said specific performance could be available in a situation involving an actual breach or an anticipatory breach of the contract.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 12, 2025

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

From Barron's • Nov. 5, 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