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

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 anticipatory Inside federal offices, the mood has been tense and anticipatory. Erica L. Green, New York Times, 25 Jan. 2025 Mental Health Counseling For many caregivers, the emotional burden of watching a parent decline, navigating complex family dynamics, or processing anticipatory grief can be overwhelming. Carolyn Rosenblatt, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2025 This level of transparency helps candidates engage in anticipatory socialization, essentially seeing themselves in a future role before even applying. Phil Kirschner, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2025 The Israel model, by contrast, would mean a heavily armed and insecure Ukraine that would have to fend for itself and thus be prone to anticipatory self-defense and unilateral kinetic action in the form of sabotage, covert action, and assassination. Thomas Wright, Foreign Affairs, 24 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for anticipatory
Recent Examples of Synonyms for anticipatory
Adjective
  • Rand and Egwene forge their own path under Moiraine's watchful eye.
    John W. Dean, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Apr. 2025
  • For now, the babies are being kept out of public view in the zoo’s Reptile and Amphibian House, under the watchful eye of the animal care team.
    Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 4 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Breastfeeding Happy Hour support group: Hosted by the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program at the Florida Department of Health in Osceola County for expectant and new moms.
    Joe Rassel, The Orlando Sentinel, 2 Apr. 2025
  • So the excited couple began making all the usual plans of expectant parents.
    David Faris, Newsweek, 27 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • In addition, stubbornly high interest rates are prompting institutional investors to offload their holdings in these prime spaces, while luxury companies are eager to take advantage of once-in-a-generation opportunities, and lock in properties for the long term.
    Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 10 Apr. 2025
  • And Trump has been eager to expand the tech industry’s US footprint and cement America as a leader in artificial intelligence.
    Clare Duffy, CNN Money, 9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Her response was less than enthusiastic.
    Big Think, Big Think, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Sell-side analysts are not enthusiastic about the sector, citing OPEC+’s production increases and the intensifying trade war, which are putting pressure on oil prices.
    Michael Khouw, CNBC, 10 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • How to know when your dog is agitated Identifying an anxious or aggressive dog can be tricky, as negative and positive emotional indicators can often be confused.
    Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025
  • The Fed chief said Wednesday the central bank can be patient while assessing data on inflation and employment, which are its dual mandates, while anxious consumers and businesses eye potentially prolonged economic instability.
    Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 18 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Anticipatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/anticipatory. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

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