anticipation

noun

an·​tic·​i·​pa·​tion (ˌ)an-ˌti-sə-ˈpā-shən 

1

a

: a prior action that takes into account or forestalls a later action

hired more security guards in anticipation of a large crowd

b

: the act of looking forward

especially : pleasurable expectation

looked forward with anticipation to their arrival

2

: the use of money before it is available

3

a

: visualization of a future event or state

b

: an object or form that anticipates a later type

4

: the early sounding of one or more tones of a succeeding chord to form a temporary dissonance compare suspension

Synonyms

• contemplation
• expectance
• expectancy
• expectation
• prospect

Choose the Right Synonym for anticipation

prospect, outlook, anticipation, foretaste mean an advance realization of something to come.

prospect implies expectation of a particular event, condition, or development of definite interest or concern.

the prospect of a quiet weekend

outlook suggests a forecasting of the future.

a favorable outlook for the economy

anticipation implies a prospect or outlook that involves advance suffering or enjoyment of what is foreseen.

the anticipation of her arrival

foretaste implies an actual though brief or partial experience of something forthcoming.

the frost was a foretaste of winter

Examples of anticipation in a Sentence

She had a feeling of great anticipation before her graduation ceremony.

He looked forward to the party with anticipation.

Recent Examples on the Web

Some had done so preemptively, in mere anticipation of the new Trump presidency. —Megan Garber, The Atlantic, 27 Feb. 2025

Daniels, who is 6'8 and enormously athletic, has already - at such a young age - found a way to bridge the two aspects, and combine them with his uncanny basketball IQ that takes into account timing, player tendencies, and anticipation. —Morten Stig Jensen, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025

Both Rashford and Asensio are in their honeymoon period, with their names cheered the loudest when read over the PA system and each time the ball is at their feet — particularly Rashford — there is an audible sense of anticipation. —Jacob Tanswell, The Athletic, 23 Feb. 2025

Instead of the usual electric anticipation before sports matchups between Canada and the United States, this championship’s buildup held a bitterness. —Vjosa Isai, New York Times, 22 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

see anticipate

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing anticipation

• in anticipation of

Rhymes for anticipation

• abbreviation
• abomination
• acceleration
• accentuation
• accommodation
• accreditation
• acculturation
• accumulation
• acetylation
• adjudication
• administration
• adulteration

Kids Definition

anticipation

noun

an·​tic·​i·​pa·​tion (ˌ)an-ˌtis-ə-ˈpā-shən 

1

: an earlier action that takes into account and deals with or prevents a later action

2

: pleasurable expectation

3

: the act of providing for an expected event or state

anticipatory

an-ˈtis-ə-pə-ˌtōr-ē

-ˌtȯr-

adjective

Medical Definition

anticipation

noun

an·​tic·​i·​pa·​tion (ˌ)an-ˌtis-ə-ˈpā-shən 

1

: occurrence (as of a disease or symptom) before the normal or expected time

2

: mental attitude that influences a later response

Legal Definition

anticipation

noun

an·​ti·​ci·​pa·​tion an-ˌti-sə-ˈpā-shən 

: the knowledge or use of an invention in the U.S. or the patenting or describing of the invention in a publication in the U.S. or a foreign country before the discovery by a patent applicant

Note: Case law has established that every claim or element of a claim has to be disclosed in the prior art in order for a patent application to be barred by anticipation. If an application is amended to consist of claims not disclosed in the prior art, invalidation by anticipation can be avoided.