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with bated breath

ADJECTIVE
breathless
Synonyms
WEAK
agog anxious avid eager excited flabbergasted open-mouthed thunderstruck
Antonyms
WEAK
breathy calm
ADJECTIVE
expectant
Synonyms
WEAK
alert anticipative anxious apprehensive awaiting breathless eager expecting hopeful hoping in suspense looking for on edge on tenterhooks prepared raring ready vigilant waiting waiting on watchful
ADVERB
sotto voce
Synonyms
WEAK
barely audible between the teeth in a whisper in soft tones under one's breath

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.

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

From Salon • May 23, 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

Eventually taking the lead, the Riot-friendly crowd spilled from its seats into the walkways surrounding the court, watching with bated breath as Jordan Crawford drained a walk-off three-pointer to seal a 52-48 victory.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 10, 2025

We wait with bated breath to hear about others apparently in the crosshairs of would-be “efficiency” cuts.

From Slate • Feb. 7, 2025

They all drew their chairs up to the table and watched with bated breath.

From "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" by J.K. Rowling

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