anticipate
verb (used with object)
to realize beforehand; foretaste or foresee.
had anticipated
-
past perfectof anticipate.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
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.
“I had anticipated the film to have a bigger impact,” Roher said.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 12, 2026
UK officials had anticipated one likely reaction from Israel would be the enforced closure of the British consulate in Jerusalem, which has indeed happened.
From BBC ● Sep. 8, 2026
Analysts had anticipated a win for Farage but underestimated the appeal of the self-styled "intergalactic space warrior" from planet Sigma IX, who campaigns wearing a rubbish bin on his head.
From Barron's ● Aug. 14, 2026
Cook said that the company had anticipated paying “significantly more” in the quarter for memory than in previous quarters, “and that is what happened.”
From MarketWatch ● Jul. 31, 2026
Amusement was not at all what he had anticipated.
From "The Giver" by Lois Lowry
