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 The streamer is building on the anticipation for the drama’s return with the in-person activation, Squid Game Experience — which currently is available in New York City and Madrid. Jennifer Maas, Variety, 3 Dec. 2024 The Big Story Bitcoin’s boost for Trump Bitcoin has blasted through a series of record highs since President-elect Trump’s election victory, underscoring the anticipation felt among the crypto industry. Julia Shapero, The Hill, 2 Dec. 2024 The massive greenhouses are already steaming up from the unseasonably warm Texas weather, almost stifling any sort of yuletide anticipation—almost. Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 1 Dec. 2024 The fragrance of her homemade pies mixed with the aroma of the turkey roasting in the oven created an air of anticipation that could be felt throughout the house. Chrissy Carter, Outside Online, 30 Nov. 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 22 Dec. 2024.

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