anticipatory

adjective

an·​tic·​i·​pa·​to·​ry an-ˈti-sə-pə-ˌtȯr-ē How to pronounce anticipatory (audio)
: characterized by anticipation : anticipating
took anticipatory measures to prevent floods

Examples of anticipatory in a Sentence

couldn't control his anticipatory excitement on Christmas morning
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.
Green takes care with set-up and establishes good anticipatory dread, but doesn’t leave enough time to deliver on the horror. Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 28 Jan. 2025 In addition, anticipatory planning of public health needs is key as global warming intensifies weather events like wildfires and hurricanes, which threaten access to hospitals and strain limited resources. John Yoo and John Shu, Newsweek, 23 Jan. 2025 Precision is palpable for receivers, especially when the quarterback is an anticipatory passer like Daniels. Ben Standig, The Athletic, 23 Jan. 2025 Interview 'An Unfiltered Unleashing of Thoughts': An Interview with Sarah Jackson Anna Fitzpatrick The author of A Bit Much on anticipatory grief, huge emotions, and the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. Max Ufberg, hazlitt.net, 10 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for anticipatory 

Word History

First Known Use

1664, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of anticipatory was in 1664

Dictionary Entries Near anticipatory

Cite this Entry

“Anticipatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/anticipatory. Accessed 12 Feb. 2025.

Legal Definition

anticipatory

adjective
an·​tic·​i·​pa·​tory an-ˈti-sə-pə-ˌtōr-ē How to pronounce anticipatory (audio)
: of or relating to a prior action that takes into account or forestalls a later action
an anticipatory challenge brought for declaratory and injunctive reliefL. H. Tribe
anticipatorily
-ˌti-sə-pə-ˈtōr-ə-lē
adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on anticipatory

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