Anticipate

Synonyms for anticipate
verb expect; predict

count on
foresee
assume
await
forecast
see
conjecture
visualize
figure

prophesy
entertain
foretell
suppose
prognosticate
divine
wait
bargain for
jump the gun

prepare for
be afraid
count chickens
cross the bridge
foretaste
have a hunch
hope for
look for
look forward to

plan on
prevision
promise oneself
see coming
see in the cards
wait for

Antonyms for anticipate

doubt
be surprised

be amazed
be unready

Synonyms
verb act in advance of

delay
prevent
forestall
hinder

apprehend
preclude
intercept
precede

block
hold back
prepare for
be early

be one step ahead of
beat someone to it
provide against

Antonyms

permit
doubt
allow

forward
help
be surprised

be amazed
be unready

Usage Notes

Despite claims that anticipate should only be used to mean “to perform (an action) or respond to (a question, etc.) in advance” or “to forestall,” it has been used widely since the 18th century as a synonym for expect, often with an implication of pleasure: We anticipate a large turnout at the next meeting. This use is standard in all types of speech and writing.