anticipatory UK /anˌtɪsɪˈpeɪtəɹi/US /ænˌtɪsəpəˈtɔri/adjective 1noun 2forms 1 adjective1 •Characterized by anticipation.The children were all wearing anticipatory grins as the cake was served. noun2 •Clipping of anticipatory offense. •Clipping of anticipatory medicine. formsanticipatories