AGAPE Synonyms: 26 Similar and Opposite Words

agape

adjective

ə-ˈgāp

Definition of agape

as in watchful

having or showing signs of eagerly awaiting something at the sound of the sleigh bells the children were all agape, waiting for Santa to appear

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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 agape Jokic is not competing against the Timberwolves’ Anthony Edwards — though both will leave mouths agape over the next two weeks. — Troy Renck, Denver Post, 17 Apr. 2026 Passersby pause to take in the beauty of her native plants or offer a compliment, and children, mouths agape and fingers pointing, marvel at the buzzing inhabitants. — Charlotte Observer, 25 Sep. 2025 The first time my son and I drove through Pigeon Forge, our mouths were agape. — Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 20 Sep. 2025 The 15-strong panel’s mouths were still agape as Quentin took his leave, followed by Clark and Schuler. — Jay Glennie, HollywoodReporter, 19 Sep. 2025 Visitors will find themselves with jaws agape at the striking jagged mountain peaks, looming glaciers, and slick icebergs, all set to the backdrop of moody, misty weather—this is a photographer’s dream adventure. — Stefanie Waldek, AFAR Media, 12 Sep. 2025 In that light, Superman might not have it so bad after all, with Luthor’s questing jealousy, not to mention the agape disbelief of a cynical humanity, always there to establish the stakes. — Derek Robertson, The Washington Examiner, 8 Aug. 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for agape

Adjective

Corie Walsh, 40, the Illinois mother accused of killing her 2-year-old son Barrett, entered a not guilty plea under the watchful eye of her husband, whom she is accused of attempting to poison.

— Kelsie Cairns, FOXNews.com, 24 Sep. 2026
Keep a watchful eye out for these unwanted visitors and, if needed, use an organic soap spray to manage their spread.

— Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Sep. 2026

Definition of watchful

Adjective

The prompt makes the room tense, eager, mutually supportive and quietly competitive.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 24 Sep. 2026
All in attendance—whether new to the brand or eager to discover something—simply wanted a conversational experience to demystify the scientific aspect that backs the brand’s formulas.

— Kiana Murden, Vogue, 23 Sep. 2026

Definition of eager

Adjective

The crowds outside a major fashion show often start to form a few hours in advance, with expectant fans hoping to spot their favorite celebrities.

— José Criales-Unzueta, Vanity Fair, 28 Sep. 2026
English also included a selfie of the expectant parents, who got engaged in December, with smiles on their faces.

— Kayla Grant, PEOPLE, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of expectant

Adjective

With such a formidable roster, Team USA should provide enough star power to fill the arena during weigh-ins, Forte said, adding that large, enthusiastic crowds will impress the IOC.

— Bryan Hendricks, Arkansas Online, 27 Sep. 2026
China’s leader, Xi Jinping, has been enthusiastic about AI advances, but his speech at the 2026 World AI Conference in Shanghai urgently expressed the need for strong AI regulations and oversight.

— Stephen Collins, The Conversation, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of enthusiastic

Adjective

Young is making quick decisions and firing a lot of anticipatory balls before his receivers are even out of their cuts.

— Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 24 Sep. 2026
Instead of requiring you to check it, the interface becomes conversational and anticipatory.

— Antoine Sallis, Forbes.com, 23 Sep. 2026

Definition of anticipatory

Adjective

Kathleen Hanna was at least as agog as any of the rest of us at the realization the band was playing to a pretty full and definitely engaged field of (primarily) women, something that would have seemed like science-fiction in their heyday.

— Chris Willman, Variety, 30 Aug. 2026
The reader’s dilemma is not so different from the writer who now navigates a community agog with a game of Find the Imposter, where everyone is both player and umpire.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 22 May 2026

Definition of agog

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against

agape

age

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“Agape.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/agape. Accessed 1 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of agape

adjective

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