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 Still, Thursday’s vote is being described by many as the first free and fair election in more than a decade, and on the streets of Dhaka, the prevailing mood is one of anticipation. Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 10 Feb. 2026 When the lights go out and the sound of 20 engines thundering to life cuts through the crowd’s silent anticipation, all eyes in the grandstands will fix on the race for 56 laps. Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 10 Feb. 2026 And then the naming of the team, just a lot of anticipation. Pierre Lebrun, New York Times, 9 Feb. 2026 On the court, White jumped in anticipation as Peterson slammed the ball into the hoop. Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 8 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for anticipation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for anticipation
Noun
  • Memory chipmakers have also seen extraordinary surges due to expectations for the AI buildout to boost demand for data storage.
    John Towfighi, CNN Money, 10 Feb. 2026
  • The outcome was a beat on consensus expectations of a 5% decline, with Kering stock up 11% in early morning trading.
    Laure Guilbault, Vogue, 10 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • But in a clinical trial, that experience can be a liability as outcomes can be sensitive to expectancy bias.
    Ian Reardon, STAT, 2 Feb. 2026
  • Someone genetically predetermined to live 80 years could reach 85 with healthy habits, while unhealthy lifestyle choices can shorten that expectancy to 75.
    Michal Ruprecht, CNN Money, 29 Jan. 2026
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

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Cite this Entry

“Anticipation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/anticipation. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

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