1
as in to expect
to believe in the future occurrence of (something)
members of the sect are confidently awaiting the imminent end of the world
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to wait
to remain in place in readiness or expectation of something
crowds had been awaiting in the streets for hours
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of await
Smiley Martin later died at the Sacramento County Main Jail in 2024 while awaiting trial in the shootings.
—
Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 15 June 2026
That’s fewer than the typical 100-or-so ships that hang around the strait awaiting fill-up calls.
—David Goldman, CNN Money, 15 June 2026
The Heat is still awaiting final word from the Bucks on a potential Antetokounmpo trade.
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 15 June 2026
Morris is wide-eyed about the possibilities there, as word awaits on a potential season two.
—David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 15 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for await
Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 15 June 2026
That’s fewer than the typical 100-or-so ships that hang around the strait awaiting fill-up calls.
—David Goldman, CNN Money, 15 June 2026
The Heat is still awaiting final word from the Bucks on a potential Antetokounmpo trade.
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 15 June 2026
Morris is wide-eyed about the possibilities there, as word awaits on a potential season two.
—David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 15 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for await
Recent Examples of Synonyms for await
Verb
-
He’s expected to start his new role in January.—
Queenie Wong,
Los Angeles Times,
14 June 2026
-
Some farms, particularly around Yuma, can expect the Ogallala to provide water for several more decades.—
Allen Best,
Denver Post,
14 June 2026
Verb
-
After years of abject failures, underachievement or agonising near-misses, Tuchel was hired to end England’s wait for a major international men’s trophy, which now extends to 60 years.—
Jack Pitt-Brooke,
New York Times,
16 June 2026
-
My regular waiter, Ryan, always had a glass of orange juice waiting for me at breakfast; my cabin attendant Sabrine kept my fridge stocked with sparkling water; and bartender Dennis always had my cocktail ready to go for me following dinner.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
16 June 2026
Verb
-
There was the irony of starting with a tune anticipating the end, and literally just before the start of summer.—
Chris Willman,
Variety,
15 June 2026
-
The evening faceoff − titled UFC Freedom 250 − has been much anticipated by conservatives and panned by Democratic critics.—
Mike Snider,
USA Today,
15 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Await.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/await. Accessed 21 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
