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
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Recent Examples of anticipatory
Precision is palpable for receivers, especially when the quarterback is an anticipatory passer like Daniels.
—
Ben Standig, The Athletic, 23 Jan. 2025
Interview 'An Unfiltered Unleashing of Thoughts': An Interview with Sarah Jackson
Anna Fitzpatrick
The author of A Bit Much on anticipatory grief, huge emotions, and the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.
—Max Ufberg, hazlitt.net, 10 Jan. 2025
From the left, Canadian Space Agency (CSA) astronaut Jeremy Hansen can be seen ducking just behind NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman and Christina Koch, all staring with anticipatory glee at their spaceship.
—Space.com Staff, Space.com, 1 Jan. 2025
By simplifying choices and leveraging anticipatory dopamine, travelers can reclaim the joy of planning.
—Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 10 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for anticipatory 
Ben Standig, The Athletic, 23 Jan. 2025
Interview 'An Unfiltered Unleashing of Thoughts': An Interview with Sarah Jackson
Anna Fitzpatrick
The author of A Bit Much on anticipatory grief, huge emotions, and the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.
—Max Ufberg, hazlitt.net, 10 Jan. 2025
From the left, Canadian Space Agency (CSA) astronaut Jeremy Hansen can be seen ducking just behind NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman and Christina Koch, all staring with anticipatory glee at their spaceship.
—Space.com Staff, Space.com, 1 Jan. 2025
By simplifying choices and leveraging anticipatory dopamine, travelers can reclaim the joy of planning.
—Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 10 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for anticipatory
Recent Examples of Synonyms for anticipatory
Adjective
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Aid workers and volunteers scrambled to collect dead bodies off the streets under the watchful eye of M23 patrols.—
Monika Pronczuk and Justin Kabumba,
Los Angeles Times,
8 Feb. 2025
-
Antibiotics are still used to treat TB, including isoniazid, the drug that began in a secret trial at Sea View Hospital under the watchful eye of the Black Angels.—
Emilie Le Beau Lucchesi,
Discover Magazine,
8 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
Jordan and Layla Baker very nearly turned into expectant parents during All American‘s latest outing.—
Rebecca Luther,
TVLine,
10 Feb. 2025
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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,
Orlando Sentinel,
6 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
Advertisers seemed eager to evoke a smile or recognition, and then get off the stage.—
Brian Steinberg,
Variety,
10 Feb. 2025
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The Chiefs are trying to become the first NFL team ever to win three Super Bowls in a row, and the Eagles are eager to stop them and avenge their 2023 loss.—
NPR Staff,
NPR,
9 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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His message was met with enthusiastic cheers from the crowd that followed him.—
Jennah Pendleton,
Sacramento Bee,
7 Feb. 2025
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Some of the comedian's followers were enthusiastic about his video.—
Kristan Hawkins,
Newsweek,
6 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Socially anxious and snobby, Victoria is dedicated to keeping her three children on the same affluent life path she's followed.—
Bryan Alexander,
USA TODAY,
18 Feb. 2025
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Bowen Yang and Andy Samberg’s ’80s-pop-style music video about how everyone who has ever worked on SNL has been an anxious mess was an instant classic.—
Judy Berman,
TIME,
17 Feb. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near anticipatory
Cite this Entry
“Anticipatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/anticipatory. Accessed 22 Feb. 2025.
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