anticipation

noun

(ˌ)an-ˌti-sə-ˈpā-shən How to pronounce anticipation (audio)
Definition of anticipationnext
as in expectation
the act or state of looking forward to some occurrence in anticipation of a job offer, she had already begun looking for an apartment in the city where the company was based

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Synonym Chooser

How does the noun anticipation differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of anticipation are foretaste, outlook, and prospect. While all these words mean "an advance realization of something to come," anticipation implies a prospect or outlook that involves advance suffering or enjoyment of what is foreseen.

the anticipation of her arrival

When is it sensible to use foretaste instead of anticipation?

While the synonyms foretaste and anticipation are close in meaning, foretaste implies an actual though brief or partial experience of something forthcoming.

the frost was a foretaste of winter

In what contexts can outlook take the place of anticipation?

In some situations, the words outlook and anticipation are roughly equivalent. However, outlook suggests a forecasting of the future.

a favorable outlook for the economy

When could prospect be used to replace anticipation?

Although the words prospect and anticipation have much in common, prospect implies expectation of a particular event, condition, or development of definite interest or concern.

the prospect of a quiet weekend

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of anticipation In anticipation, the Iranian currency, the Rial, has plunged to a record low. — Emily Feng, NPR, 24 Aug. 2026 Galactico power, but little balance There was considerable anticipation around Madrid’s new signings, particularly Yan Diomande — the 19-year-old winger who joined from RB Leipzig in a deal worth up to a club record €140million (£119m; $161m). — Guillermo Rai, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2026 Few residential developments in London have generated as much anticipation—or undergone such a vivid transformation—as Chelsea Barracks. — Nick Scott, Robb Report, 22 Aug. 2026 Adding to the anticipation is the fact it will be built and operated by Miral which has made a name for itself as the world's leading developer of theme parks alongside Disney and Universal. — Caroline Reid, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for anticipation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for anticipation
  1. expectation
  2. expectancy
  3. expectance
Noun
  • The industry expectation is that there will be a lockout come December and that the sides won’t be able to reach an agreement until the spring at the earliest.
    — Evan Drellich, New York Times, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Consequently, markets have already trimmed their Fed rate hike expectations.
    — , CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of expectation
Noun
  • With women’s life average expectancy at 82 years, and many living well into their 90s, some women may experience 30 years of living in retirement independently.
    — Angie O’Leary, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Just a funny feeling — nervousness, expectancy, and wondering what was going to happen next.
    — Robert McGreevy, FOXNews.com, 6 June 2026
Definition of expectancy
Noun
  • Giannina Altuve posted video of the family celebrating the expectance of their second child on Sunday afternoon.
    — Houston Chronicle, Houston Chronicle, 11 Nov. 2019
Definition of expectance

Browse Nearby Words

anticipating
anticipation
anticipations
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Cite this Entry

“Anticipation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/anticipation. Accessed 3 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on anticipation

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about anticipation

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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