Find Antonyms

anticipate Antonyms

Opposite of anticipate

Because the opposite of anticipate shifts with each meaning, the 8 antonyms and opposite words below are separated across 4 exact definitions and ranked by contrast strength.
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• verb (Context 1)

To regard as probable; to expect or predict.

Usage Example

"The organizers doubt a large turnout for the annual charity marathon."

Strong
doubt
overlook

• verb (Context 2)

To look forward to with pleasure or excitement.

Usage Example

"The children eagerly anticipated the arrival of their grandparents for the holidays."

Strongest
dread
Strong
fear

• verb (Context 3)

To guess or be aware of what will happen and take action in order to be prepared.

Usage Example

"A skilled chess player always tries to ignore the opponent's next several moves."

Strong
ignore
neglect

• verb (Context 4)

To act as a forerunner to or be earlier than (an event, discovery, or development).

Usage Example

"Several ancient Greek philosophers anticipated modern atomic theory by centuries."

Strongest
follow
Strong
succeed

Similar words to anticipate

Words similar to anticipate shift depending on context. Common synonyms include:

look forward to
expect
foresee
preempt
predict
precede
forestall
prefigure
See all synonyms of anticipate

• Nearby Words

antichoice
antichrist
antichristian
anticipate
anticipation
anticipatory
anticlimactic

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Antonyms for Anticipate. In Wordmom Thesaurus. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/antonyms/anticipate
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