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.
The ability to be nimble and think on your feet is just as important as anticipatory planning. Andrew Frank, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2025 Needs to improve on his anticipatory throws and off-schedule playmaking, but Dart could improve immensely with Kellen Moore’s coaching. 10. Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 19 Apr. 2025 While Gomez has forged a refined, ladylike look in powder-blue Prada and anticipatory bridal whites, with ornate custom Ralph Lauren and glittering Armani Prive for her red carpet appearances, Blanco loves pale linens, loud prints, and hippie hemp materials. Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 19 Mar. 2025 This anticipatory logistics model shrinks delivery time and creates seamless omnichannel satisfaction. Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 6 May 2025 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 5 Jun. 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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