Dictionary Home » Dictionary Definitions » anticipate

anticipate

Listen See in Thesaurus See in a sentence

Anticipate is to think and/or talk ahead about what may happen, and either take action beforehand to handle the situation or be ready to respond when the time occurs. (verb)

An example of anticipate is to put away extra money for the family vacation in case the car breaks down or someone needs medical attention.

Anticipate is to complete a task before a deadline. (verb)

An example of anticipate is to turn in a school project before the due date.

Anticipate is to use up something before you have it. (verb)

An example of anticipate is when a person writes checks for all his bills before his next paycheck is deposited.

Anticipate is to act in advance, usually as an effort to stay ahead of someone else. (verb)

An example of anticipate is when before asking for a divorce a wife knows her husband will ask for custody of the kids, so she has a Private Investigator follow him to prove he is cheating, thus thwarting his future custody attempts.

Anticipate is to be happy and excited about something upcoming. (verb)

An example of anticipate is the feeling a woman gets as she looks forward to her wedding day.

Anticipate is to communicate (verbally or written) on a topic, expressing a personal belief or idea as to what will happen later. (verb)

An example of anticipate is when a mother writes a note to her teenage daughter, telling her when she gets home from work she expects the weather will be nice enough to go play tennis.

See anticipate in Webster's New World College Dictionary