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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.

Hence the one-year timeline for a kill switch should the bubble burst sooner than the stakeholders anticipate.

From Slate • Apr. 16, 2026

OTTAWA—The Canadian Real Estate Association sharply downgraded its sales forecast for the remainder of 2026, with mortgage rates headed higher as bond traders anticipate an acceleration in inflation from the war in Iran.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 2026

What they didn't perhaps anticipate was a gift for the opening goal by Bayern keeper Manuel Neuer in the opening seconds.

From BBC • Apr. 15, 2026

For each bottleneck we can imagine or anticipate, there are a dozen others we can’t.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 15, 2026

She needed to contemplate with eyes closed the full richness of what she had lost, what she had given away, and to anticipate the new regime.

From "Atonement" by Ian McEwan

Vocabulary lists containing anticipate

100 SAT Words Beginning with "A"

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Jim Burke's Academic Vocabulary List

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The SAT: Multiple-Meaning Words, List 8

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