as in watchful
having or showing signs of eagerly awaiting something
couldn't control his anticipatory excitement on Christmas morning
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of anticipatory
Williams did a nice job with an anticipatory throw to Moore for third-and-5 for a first down.
—
Kevin Fishbain, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2025
Some legal experts also argue that anticipatory self defense — under which a state has not been attacked, but determines that a foreign attack is imminent — is legal under international law.
—Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 24 June 2025
Many family caregivers experience anticipatory grief in the months or years leading up to a loved one's death, said Christina Irving, Client Services Director for the Family Caregiver Alliance.
—Madeline Mitchell, USA Today, 12 June 2025
The service is anticipatory, the spa a destination in itself with treatments such as the Red-Carpet Glam Facial and luxurious Golden Glow Manicure, and the dining—led by celebrity chef Daniel Boulud—ensures that even staying in feels like an event.
—Melinda Sheckells, HollywoodReporter, 3 Sep. 2019
See All Example Sentences for anticipatory
Kevin Fishbain, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2025
Some legal experts also argue that anticipatory self defense — under which a state has not been attacked, but determines that a foreign attack is imminent — is legal under international law.
—Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 24 June 2025
Many family caregivers experience anticipatory grief in the months or years leading up to a loved one's death, said Christina Irving, Client Services Director for the Family Caregiver Alliance.
—Madeline Mitchell, USA Today, 12 June 2025
The service is anticipatory, the spa a destination in itself with treatments such as the Red-Carpet Glam Facial and luxurious Golden Glow Manicure, and the dining—led by celebrity chef Daniel Boulud—ensures that even staying in feels like an event.
—Melinda Sheckells, HollywoodReporter, 3 Sep. 2019
See All Example Sentences for anticipatory
Recent Examples of Synonyms for anticipatory
Adjective
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An earnest and thoughtful executive with a warm, open demeanor, Pinault was seated at Monday’s interview under a large black-and-white painting of an owl, the mascot for Kering — and a metaphor for his watchful eyes on shifting consumer sentiment and economic fluctuations.—
Miles Socha,
Footwear News,
9 Sep. 2025
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Williams said staff will be extra watchful as students process Wilson’s death.—
Kendrick Calfee,
Kansas City Star,
4 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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The expectant mom wore her hair styled in a loose ponytail.—
Kayla Grant,
PEOPLE,
10 Sep. 2025
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Attractions include kitschy traditions such as a butter-sculpting demonstration, in which a master carver crafts a bust of the winner of the annual Princess Kay of the Milky Way pageant, and the Miracle of Birth Center, displaying pens of expectant farm animals.—
Hannah Goldfield,
New Yorker,
8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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The opposition leader maintains close ties with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, one of the most enthusiastic proponents in the Cabinet of this particular naval buildup.—
Gisela Salim-Peyer,
The Atlantic,
12 Sep. 2025
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In the same piece from Heyman, Phillies president of baseball operations David Dombrowski gave an even more enthusiastic quote about a potential Schwarber reunion.—
Jackson Roberts,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Employees are eager to experiment with AI tools, but unclear policies and a lack of training fuel secrecy instead of confidence.—
Caroline Castrillon,
Forbes.com,
9 Sep. 2025
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Wrapped in a bulky down jacket, Putin greeted residents eager to meet him.—
Yegor Mostovshikov,
The Dial,
9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Maddie is talented, warm, funny and kind but also anxious, plagued with low self-esteem cultivated by a traumatic childhood.—
Jourdain Searles,
HollywoodReporter,
7 Sep. 2025
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The other may be unsure, though not opposed, but anxious about leaving family and community.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
7 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Anticipatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/anticipatory. Accessed 14 Sep. 2025.
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