Definitions

bated

[bey-tid] / ˈbeɪ tɪd /

ADJECTIVE

faint

Synonyms

STRONGEST

delicate dim distant dull far-off gentle hazy inaudible mild muffled muted remote slight soft soothing stifled vague weak

STRONG

aside bleached blurred deadened deep faded faltering hushed light low moderate murmuring muttering obscure padded pale piano quiet smooth softened subdued thin wan whispered

WEAK

bland breathless dusty epicene feeble hoarse ill-defined imperceptible indistinct lenient low-pitched out of earshot shadowy tenuous unclear

Antonyms

STRONGEST

bright certain clear close definite distinct firm friendly harsh healthy intelligent loud near nearby rough sharp smart strong sure thick violent warm

STRONG

boisterous colorful heavy uncontrolled

WEAK

bold brave courageous resolute

ADJECTIVE

weak

Synonyms

STRONGEST

dull feeble low poor quiet small thin

WEAK

dim distant gentle imperceptible inaudible indistinct muffled pale reedy slight stifled unaccented unstressed whispered

Antonyms

WEAK

loud noisy

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

bated

My 8-year-old Lego-maniac son waited with bated breath for two new Lego Smart Play Star Wars sets—Luke’s X-wing and Darth Vader’s TIE fighter—to come in the mail.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 18, 2026

Until then, I’ll just have to wait with bated breath.

From Salon ● May 23, 2026

Caddell described the funding as a "stop gap", adding that "people will be waiting with bated breath to find out what's going to happen".

From BBC ● Mar. 16, 2026

He snatched provisional top spot in beautiful, sunny conditions, but could only watch with bated breath as his understudy took to the start hut.

From Barron's ● Feb. 7, 2026

With bated breath I closed the locker and reached beneath the tarpaulin for the extra oars on the side benches.

From "Life of Pi" by Yann Martel

bated

Example Sentences

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