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Definitions

anticipate

[an-tis-uh-peyt] / ænˈtɪs əˌpeɪt /
VERB
expect; predict
Synonyms
STRONGEST
assume await count on forecast foresee prepare for see
STRONG
conjecture divine entertain figure foretell prognosticate prophesy suppose visualize wait
WEAK
bargain for be afraid count chickens cross the bridge foretaste have a hunch hope for jump the gun look for look forward to plan on prevision promise oneself see coming see in the cards wait for
Antonyms
STRONGEST
doubt
WEAK
be amazed be surprised be unready
VERB
act in advance of
Synonyms
STRONGEST
delay forestall prepare for prevent
STRONG
apprehend block hinder intercept precede preclude
WEAK
be early be one step ahead of beat someone to it hold back provide against
Antonyms
STRONG
allow forward help permit
WEAK
be amazed be surprised be unready doubt

Usage

What are other ways to say anticipate?

To anticipate is to look forward to an event and even to picture it: Do you anticipate trouble? To expect something implies confidently believing, usually for good reasons, that an event will occur: to expect a visit from a friend. To hope for something implies a wish that an event may take place and an expectation that it will: to hope for the best. To await (wait for) something implies being alert and ready, whether for good or evil: to await news after a cyclone.

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

SLB and Baker Hughes shares rose nearly 3% and 2% respectively, as analysts anticipate benefits from Middle East rebuilding.

From Barron's • Apr. 8, 2026

As for “English,” he didn’t anticipate having to make any drastic changes to address the current war with Iran.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 8, 2026

North Dakota legislators, who legalized e-tabs in 2017, say they didn’t anticipate the games’ wild success or how closely manufacturers would model them after slot machines.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 7, 2026

Layoffs can be difficult to anticipate, with pink slips now popping up in a 6 a.m. email.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 3, 2026

Nature seemed to me benign and good; I thought she loved me, outcast as I was; and I, who from man could anticipate only mistrust, rejection, insult, clung to her with filial fondness.

From "Jane Eyre" by Charlotte Brontë