What's the difference between
and
Enter two words to compare and contrast their definitions, origins, and synonyms to better understand how those words are related.

Preemptive vs Anticipatory - What's the difference?

preemptive | anticipatory |

As adjectives the difference between preemptive and anticipatory

is that preemptive is of or relating to preemption while anticipatory is characterized by anticipation.

preemptive

English

Alternative forms

* * pre-emptive

Adjective

(en adjective)
  • Of or relating to preemption.
  • Made so as to deter an anticipated unpleasant situation.
  • (bridge, of a high-level bid) Intended to interfere with an opponent's bidding.

    • Derived terms

    * preemptive strike * preemptively

    anticipatory

    English

    Adjective

    (head)
  • Characterized by anticipation.
    • The children were all wearing anticipatory grins in the minutes before the cake was served.