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.
Such anticipatory price increases are not a good idea and brands that do so will leave consumers with a bad taste in their mouths once the dust settles. Pamela N. Danziger, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025 Gomez has also been spending considerate time with her stylist Erin Walsh crafting an elevated, elegant look in powder-blue Prada, anticipatory bridal whites, and glittering Armani Prive. Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 21 Mar. 2025 Film Winona, Forever Soraya Roberts Ryder has always been trapped in her own anticipatory nostalgia, and the public has always wanted to keep her there. hazlitt.net, 4 Jan. 2025 Sunday featured Maye’s most accurate performance as a pro, thanks to a growing knack for delivering anticipatory throws that beat tight coverage. Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 3 Dec. 2024 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

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Cite this Entry

“Anticipatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/anticipatory. Accessed 23 Apr. 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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