anticipate
verb (used with object)
to realize beforehand; foretaste or foresee.
has been anticipating
-
present perfect progressiveof anticipate (3rd person singular).present perfect progressive
Used to describe an action that began in the past, has continued continuously, and is still in progress.
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.
With the raw certainty of a medium reaching into the future — or perhaps more accurately, someone feeling a fever coming on — Sam has been anticipating Mary’s arrival.
From Salon ● Apr. 24, 2026
Some experts worry that these policies are not planning enough to account for rising sea levels due to climate change, or the once-in-a-century megaquake that Japan has been anticipating.
From BBC ● Jan. 21, 2026
The market has been anticipating an increase in returns, but Citi thinks the confirmation is positive.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 16, 2025
The 1990s plotline offers up two events the audience has been anticipating: The birth and the death of Shauna’s child.
From New York Times ● May 5, 2023
No, because she has been anticipating for some time that such a transaction will be effected by her parents; for has she not already arrived at the age of thirteen?
From Oriental Women by Edward Bagby Pollard
