anticipate
verb
an·tic·i·pate
| \ an-ˈti-sə-ˌpāt
\
\
anticipated;
anticipating
Definition of anticipate
1
: to give advance thought, discussion, or treatment to
2
: to meet (an obligation) before a due date
3
: to foresee and deal with in advance : forestall
4
: to use or expend in advance of actual possession
5
: to act before (another) often so as to check or counter
6
: to look forward to as certain : expect
We don't anticipate any problems during the construction.
: to speak or write in knowledge or expectation of later matter
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Other Words from anticipate
anticipatable
\ -ˌpā-tə-bəl
\
adjective
\
adjective
anticipator
\ -ˌpā-tər
\
noun
\
noun
Synonyms for anticipate
Synonyms
await, expect, hope (for), watch (for)
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Examples of anticipate in a Sentence
The cost turned out to be higher than anticipated.
The author anticipated objections to his theory.
The organizers of the fair anticipate a large crowd.
I did not anticipate having to pay for your ticket.
He eagerly anticipated her arrival.
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Recent Examples on the Web
Other leaders have said Trump’s trade war is causing global supply chains to seize up, and there is evidence the U.S. economy is slowing much more quickly than anticipated. — Washington Post, "Trump, for first time, signals regret China trade war has escalated," 25 Aug. 2019 Other leaders have countered that Trump's trade war is causing global supply chains to seize up, and there is evidence the U.S. economy is slowing much more quickly than anticipated. — Anchorage Daily News, "Trump says he wishes he’d raised tariffs even higher on China as trade war escalates," 25 Aug. 2019 Even if a high-octane arm such as Julio Urias or Dustin May is moved into a relief role for the postseason, Jansen will have to pitch in critical late-game situations if the bullpen has to cover as many innings as anticipated. — Los Angeles Times, "Column: Dodgers need Kenley Jansen to perform like the pitcher he was in previous seasons," 24 Aug. 2019 Friday’s assignment had some errors, as anticipated, but Steele Canyon tallied more correct answers and came away with a 17-6 win on a pleasant night in the East County. — Jim Lindgren, San Diego Union-Tribune, "Steele Canyon survives early test against Eastlake," 23 Aug. 2019 Vogueworld Katy Perry Takes Her Campy Style to the Most Unlikely of Places When the theme of camp was first announced for this year's Met Gala, there were few looks as fervently anticipated as Katy Perry’s. — Vogue, "Katy Perry Takes Her Campy Style to the Most Unlikely of Places," 23 Aug. 2019 But Smith returned to play in 2017, and played more snaps than anticipated after veteran Sean Lee was injured. — Jori Epstein, USA TODAY, "LB Jaylon Smith, Dallas Cowboys agree to long-term contract extension," 20 Aug. 2019 If the plane is grounded much longer than anticipated, airlines will have to buy other planes, said the trade group's economist, John Heimlich. — David Koenig, chicagotribune.com, "Airlines expect to set Labor Day records. If you hate crowded flights, one day looks especially bleak.," 20 Aug. 2019 In Nevada, for example, tax revenues were 40% higher than state officials had anticipated in the first six months of legal weed sales, but in California, the revenues were 45% lower than expected. — Kathleen Gray, Detroit Free Press, "Marijuana tax revenues may not be the long-term answer to Michigan budget woes," 19 Aug. 2019These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'anticipate.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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More Definitions for anticipate
anticipate
verb
English Language Learners Definition of anticipate
: to think of (something that will or might happen in the future)
: to expect or look ahead to (something) with pleasure : to look forward to (something)
formal
: to do something before someone else
See the full definition for anticipate in the English Language Learners Dictionary
anticipate
verb
an·tic·i·pate
| \ an-ˈti-sə-ˌpāt
\
\
anticipated;
anticipating
Kids Definition of anticipate
1
: to foresee and deal with or provide for beforehand
The waiters anticipate your every wish.
2
: to look forward to
… now everyone anticipated the celebration.— Pam Muñoz Ryan, Esperanza Rising
anticipate
verb
an·tic·i·pate
|