anticipation

noun

an·​tic·​i·​pa·​tion (ˌ)an-ˌti-sə-ˈpā-shən How to pronounce anticipation (audio)
Synonyms of anticipation
1
a
: a prior action that takes into account or forestalls a later action
hired more security guards in anticipation of a large crowd
b
: the act of looking forward
especially : pleasurable expectation
looked forward with anticipation to their arrival
2
: the use of money before it is available
3
a
: visualization of a future event or state
b
: an object or form that anticipates a later type
4
: the early sounding of one or more tones of a succeeding chord to form a temporary dissonance compare suspension

Synonyms of anticipation

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prospect, outlook, anticipation, foretaste mean an advance realization of something to come.

prospect implies expectation of a particular event, condition, or development of definite interest or concern.

the prospect of a quiet weekend

outlook suggests a forecasting of the future.

a favorable outlook for the economy

anticipation implies a prospect or outlook that involves advance suffering or enjoyment of what is foreseen.

the anticipation of her arrival

foretaste implies an actual though brief or partial experience of something forthcoming.

the frost was a foretaste of winter

Examples of anticipation in a Sentence

She had a feeling of great anticipation before her graduation ceremony. He looked forward to the party with anticipation.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The real advantage for CHROs is anticipation, or the ability to spot workforce risk early, act before cost compounds and help organizations make better decisions before problems become expensive. — Marcy Klipfel, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2026 Two nights earlier, Jay had appeared on Westwood’s national Radio 1 show, adding to the anticipation. — Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 31 Aug. 2026 Sign Up for Our Free Daily Newsletter NASA’s newest telescope is officially on its way to deep space after more than a decade of development and high anticipation. — Claire Cameron, Scientific American, 30 Aug. 2026 Go for a Statement-Making Gate Gates are a great way to create a sense of anticipation when approaching the home. — Shagun Khare, The Spruce, 30 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for anticipation

Word History

Etymology

see anticipate

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of anticipation was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing anticipation

Rhymes for anticipation

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Browse Nearby Words

anticipated
anticipation
anticipative
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Anticipation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/anticipation. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

anticipation

noun
an·​tic·​i·​pa·​tion (ˌ)an-ˌtis-ə-ˈpā-shən How to pronounce anticipation (audio)
1
: an earlier action that takes into account and deals with or prevents a later action
2
: pleasurable expectation
3
: the act of providing for an expected event or state
anticipatory
an-ˈtis-ə-pə-ˌtōr-ē, 
-ˌtȯr-
adjective

Medical Definition

anticipation

noun
an·​tic·​i·​pa·​tion (ˌ)an-ˌtis-ə-ˈpā-shən How to pronounce anticipation (audio)
1
: occurrence (as of a disease or symptom) before the normal or expected time
2
: mental attitude that influences a later response

Legal Definition

anticipation

noun
an·​ti·​ci·​pa·​tion an-ˌti-sə-ˈpā-shən How to pronounce anticipation (audio)
: the knowledge or use of an invention in the U.S. or the patenting or describing of the invention in a publication in the U.S. or a foreign country before the discovery by a patent applicant

Note: Case law has established that every claim or element of a claim has to be disclosed in the prior art in order for a patent application to be barred by anticipation. If an application is amended to consist of claims not disclosed in the prior art, invalidation by anticipation can be avoided.

More from Merriam-Webster on anticipation

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about anticipation

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