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anticipate Synonyms

Another word for anticipate

Choosing another word for anticipate depends on context, so the 19 synonyms and similar words below are separated across 4 exact definitions and ranked by match strength.
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• verb (Context 1)

To regard as probable; to expect or predict.

Usage Example

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

Strongest
expect
foresee
Strong
predict
forecast
envision
envisage
await

• 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
look forward to
Strong
await
count on

• 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 preempt the opponent's next several moves."

Strongest
preempt
Strong
forestall
prepare for
intercept

• 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."

Strong
precede
foreshadow
prefigure
herald
antedate
predate

Opposites of anticipate

The opposite of anticipate shifts depending on context. Common opposites include:

dread
follow
doubt
succeed
fear
ignore
overlook
neglect
See all opposites of anticipate

• Nearby Words

antichoice
antichrist
antichristian
anticipate
anticipation
anticipator
anticipatory

Cite this Entry

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