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Definitions

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.

So I sent an email and waited with bated breath to see if I had finally found the smoked salmon.

From Salon • Feb. 28, 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

Like the audience, Bell Media executives are waiting with bated breath for the next chapter of “Heated Rivalry.”

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 3, 2026

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

From Slate • Feb. 7, 2025

Harry and Ron waited with bated breath: Malfoy was surely seconds away from telling them it was him — but then — “I wish I knew who it is,” said Malfoy petulantly.

From "Harry Potter And The Chamber Of Secrets" by J. K. Rowling