agape

adjective

ə-ˈgāp How to pronounce agape (audio)
Definition of agapenext
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 agape Anyone who knows Payton’s history was left with mouths agape on what happened next. — Troy Renck, Denver Post, 27 Sep. 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
  1. watchful
  2. eager
  3. expectant
  4. enthusiastic
  5. anticipatory
  6. agog
Adjective
  • Arlo Security Camera Deal Keep a watchful eye on what matters most with the Arlo Essential Security Camera 1080p HD (3rd Gen).
    — Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 12 Oct. 2026
  • Keeping a watchful eye over the shoot from a balcony above the soundstage floor are Sean Thomason and Conor Lastowka, RiffTrax’s longtime senior writers and producers.
    — Joe Otterson, Variety, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of watchful
Adjective
  • The service Everyone on staff is friendly and eager to assist.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Data center builders, semiconductor companies, power providers and cybersecurity firms are far less constrained, according to Cramer, because lenders remain eager to finance their growth.
    — Alexa LoMonaco, CNBC, 7 Oct. 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
  • Downtown restaurant Kato, a repeat on the World’s 50 Best list in recent years, was an early and enthusiastic adopter of NA pairings.
    — Gary Baum, HollywoodReporter, 11 Oct. 2026
  • The ire of everyday citizens continues to increase against a backdrop of enthusiastic and deep-pocketed Wall Street investors betting artificial intelligence is the economic engine of the future.
    — Kevin Williams, CNBC, 9 Oct. 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

Browse Nearby Words

against
agape
age
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Cite this Entry

“Agape.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/agape. Accessed 15 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on agape

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about agape

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