Synonyms for

Anticipate

Verb / æˈntɪsʌˌpeɪt / Another word for anticipate — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

To expect or look ahead to something happening.

Synonyms & similar words

counter expect forebode foreknow lookfor forestall previse call lookto foresee foretell prognosticate predict promise expect foresee predict await hope envisage envision foretell foreknow prognosticate forebode forecast prefigure presage

Synonyms by register

Formal

expect foresee predict project

Informal

look forward to count on figure on bank on

Literary

augur presage foretell

Antonyms

disregard ignore neglect overlook forget unconcern

Common collocations

  • anticipate the future
  • anticipate needs
  • anticipate problems
  • anticipate changes
  • anticipate a response
  • anticipate success
  • anticipate a challenge

Word family

noun anticipation
verb anticipate
adjective anticipatory
adverb anticipatorily

Usage note

Often used to mean expecting something to happen, but can also mean preparing for something. Be mindful of the context to convey the intended meaning.

Example sentences

  1. I anticipate a snow day tomorrow.
  2. She anticipates receiving a birthday present from her parents.
  3. We anticipate that the concert will be sold out.
  4. He anticipated the punch and dodged it.
  5. They anticipate a big turnout for the event.

Quotes

  • It is better to anticipate the good or the bad than to be surprised.
  • Anticipation is the greater part of pleasure.
  • Hope is definitely not the same thing as optimism. It is not the conviction that something will turn out well, but the certainty that something makes sense, regardless of how it turns out.

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