anticipatory

American

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

adjective

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.

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

Beth Hope, an executive coach, says "Sunday blues" are very common and usually come from anticipatory stress, where the brain predicts a high demand on Monday and "activates the stress response early".

From BBC • Jan. 3, 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 looked up when the musical overture ended, and in its place an anticipatory silence weighted the air.

From "Beasts of Prey" by Ayana Gray

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