Another Word for Looking Forward – Meaning, Synonyms, and Examples
The phrase looking forward (usually followed by to) is used to express eagerness or positive anticipation about a future event. To make your English more concise and formal, learning single-word alternatives for looking forward will help. Using synonyms allows you to specify whether you mean eager, excited, or expectant.
What is Another Word for Looking Forward?
A great single-word alternative for looking forward is anticipating. Looking forward means expecting something and being pleased about it. Anticipating means regarding as probable; expecting or predicting; or, acting in advance of (someone or something). Both terms describe the act of recognizing a future event and reacting to it, often with pleasure. Learning words like anticipating helps you emphasize the active expectation of an event.
Meaning of “Looking Forward”
Looking forward is an idiomatic phrase meaning to feel pleasure and excitement because you are expecting something to happen.
We use it to express excitement (I’m looking forward to vacation), or formal expectation (We are looking forward to your reply).
Single-Word Alternatives for “Looking Forward”
Here are some single-word adjectives or verbs that can often replace “looking forward,” depending on the context:
- Anticipating: Regarding as probable; expecting with eagerness. A strong, versatile alternative (verb).
- Eager: (Adjective) A person wanting to have or do something very much. Used when emphasizing keen desire.
- Excited: (Adjective) Having or showing strong feelings of enthusiasm and eagerness. Used when emphasizing strong feeling.
- Awaits: (Verb) To wait for (an event); to be in store for (someone). Used formally when the future event is the subject.
- Expectant: (Adjective) Having or showing an excited feeling that something is about to happen, especially something pleasant. Used when emphasizing the mood of hopeful waiting.
Example Sentences
- I am anticipating the release of the new video game next month. (Used as a continuous verb)
- She is eager to start her new role at the company. (Used as an adjective)
- The children were excited about the trip to the zoo. (Used as an adjective)
- A large bonus awaits the employee who closes the deal. (Used formally, focusing on the event)
- The audience was expectant as the curtain began to rise on the stage. (Used as an adjective)
Mini Dialogue
Sam: “Are you looking forward to your summer break?”
Mia: “Yes, I’m eager to get started! I’m anticipating two weeks of relaxation on the beach.”
Sam: “I can see how excited you are!”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Don’t use anticipate when you mean simple hope. Anticipate implies a more definite expectation.
✅ Do use adjectives like eager or excited to clearly convey pleasure and desire for the future event.
Let’s Practice!
Which single-word alternative best fits this sentence? “The entire city is __________ the arrival of the foreign dignitaries next week.” (Answer: Anticipating – This synonym works best because it refers to the widespread expectation of an important, definite future event.)
Practice Tip
Use either eager or excited instead of “looking forward to” in your next conversation to sound more concise.
Final Note
Knowing single-word alternatives for looking forward and practicing substitutes like anticipating and eager will help you describe your positive expectations clearly.
