Synonyms of anticipation

anticipation

noun

(ˌ)an-ˌti-sə-ˈpā-shən 

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

• expectation
• expectancy
• expectance
• contemplation
• prospect
• dread
• apprehension
• alarm
• foreboding
• misgiving

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

Recent Examples of anticipation

While everyone kept a safe distance from the heavy military presence that was established in anticipation of the event, the movement became a cultural moment, attracting participants and media coverage from around the globe. —Drew Pittock, USA Today, 6 May 2026

World Cup organizers in Kansas City pushed back to the survey, telling The Athletic that embassy staff in countries such as the Netherlands are deploying additional staff to the city in anticipation of a high number of visitors. —Rafael Nam, NPR, 4 May 2026

Formula 1’s unexpected hiatus seemed to turbocharge anticipation and the energy level leading up to Miami, which used the framework of Formula 1 to showcase the bleeding-edge of not just motorsport, but fashion, fine dining, entertainment, and finance. —Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 4 May 2026

The energy that had lifted Sakeena to cook and prepare two desserts in anticipation of Fareen’s arrival drained from her. —Literary Hub, 4 May 2026