anticipate

/ænˈtɪs.ɪ.peɪt/verb

To expect that something will happen and often to get ready for it in advance.

Example sentences

“We anticipate heavy traffic, so we're leaving an hour early.”
“The company did not anticipate such high demand for the new phone.”
“Good teachers anticipate the questions students are likely to ask.”

Followed by a noun or '-ing', not 'to': we anticipate delays, they anticipate moving next year. A bit more formal than 'expect'.

Synonyms for anticipate

expect
foresee
predict
prepare for

On the Academic Word List. Find it in: Academic vocabulary.

Related words

antisepticAble to stop harmful germs from causing infection.antibioticA substance that kills bacteria or stops similar microorganisms from growing.antivirusA program that finds and removes harmful software such as computer viruses.antennaA device that sends or receives radio and other electromagnetic signals, converting them to or from electrical form.anxiousFeeling worried or uneasy, especially about something uncertain or still to come.anomalySomething that departs from the usual pattern or expected rule.