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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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

Examples 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 You are not being punished with anticipation, but this chapter is acting like the preparation for a marathon. Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 Nov. 2024 Even prior to Reeves’ announcement, the anticipation that CGT would increase had caused angst for tech founders across the country. Ryan Browne, CNBC, 30 Oct. 2024 Stocks slip amid rising yields and earnings anticipation Tuesday’s trading session was quiet, with the S&P 500 edging down by less than 0.1%, continuing Monday’s slight decline after a six-week winning streak. Bybrooke Seipel, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2024 As first-round voting wrapped up last week, anticipation is building for the nominations announcement on Nov. 8. Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 22 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for anticipation 

Thesaurus Entries Near anticipation

Cite this Entry

“Anticipation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/anticipation. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

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