1. happening, done, or felt in expectation of something that will or may happen in the future

Examples

• She felt anticipatory excitement before the concert began.
• The company took anticipatory measures to prevent supply chain disruptions.
• His anticipatory smile showed he knew what was coming next.
• The anticipatory silence in the courtroom was deafening.
• They made anticipatory adjustments to their budget before the economic downturn.
• The anticipatory grief she felt was almost as painful as the actual loss.
• Anticipatory anxiety often makes situations seem worse than they actually are.