Definitions

with bated breath

Part of Speech:

All (3) Adjective (2) Adverb (1)

Jump To:

breathless adj.
expectant adj.
sotto voce adv.

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

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with bated breath

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

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

And of course the supporters, who no doubt waited with bated breath at each stage of the contract renewal talks which eventually resulted in no deal being struck.

From BBC ● Sep. 3, 2025

The whole common room listened with bated breath.

From "Harry Potter And The Prisoner Of Azkaban" by J.K. Rowling

with bated breath

Example Sentences

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