1
as in wakeful
not sleeping or able to sleep
was awake until 3:00 a.m.
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in alert
paying close attention usually for the purpose of anticipating approaching danger or opportunity
awake to the possibility of trouble at the demonstration
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
2
as in to awaken
to cease to be asleep
at the sound of breaking glass she awoke with a start
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 awake
Sophia Solano,
Washington Post,
20 June 2026
Gambling addicts can stay awake for days, betting on obscure sports happening in other countries.
—
Noelle Phillips,
Denver Post,
18 June 2026
ABC News,
15 June 2026
According to initial police reports, a 55-year-old man had been sleeping but awoke to noise coming from outside his home.
—
Harry Harris,
Mercury News,
11 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for awake
Adjective
Around midnight on a muggy June Monday, only one club was awake in Washington’s nightlife hub.
—
Sophia Solano,
Washington Post,
20 June 2026
Gambling addicts can stay awake for days, betting on obscure sports happening in other countries.
—
Noelle Phillips,
Denver Post,
18 June 2026
Verb
The fires were set in the dead of night and occupants sleeping in the homes awoke to smoke billowing in their front doors.
—
ABC News,
15 June 2026
According to initial police reports, a 55-year-old man had been sleeping but awoke to noise coming from outside his home.
—
Harry Harris,
Mercury News,
11 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for awake
Recent Examples of Synonyms for awake
Adjective
-
Tips to Break the Bedtime Screen Habit Dr. Verma, who was not involved in the research, offers the following tips to prevent wakeful effects from smartphones and get better sleep: Avoid screens 30 to 60 minutes before bedtime.
-
Lauren Goode: Who among us doesn't want to have a nap gently guided by our wakeful rhythm?
Adjective
-
First responders found the woman conscious and alert after an umbrella stake pierced her shoulder.
-
On 19th Street between The Paseo and Vine Street, officers found two women with gunshot wounds who were conscious and alert and one man who was unresponsive, Kansas City Police Department spokesman Capt.
Verb
-
Cut to Buffy waking to an empty pillow next to her, and Angel, now without his soul, having a snack on the street.
-
When your dopamine levels, the chemical baseline responsible for motivation and pursuit, are naturally low, your brain searches for quick stimuli to wake itself up.
Verb
-
Who’s to say international futbol isn’t ready to begrudgingly welcome a new epoch in the sport, and that is might be led by a host nation that proves itself a sleeping giant awakened?
-
However, Kalwinski has awakened me to the fact that such civic pride can apply just as much to the Bears being in Hammond as being in Arlington Heights.
Adjective
-
Officials urge visitors to stay vigilant Authorities and experts alike said one of the largest factors in preventing an attack is whether law enforcement is notified about suspicious activity beforehand.
-
The spokesperson noted that labor inspections of working conditions have increased and encouraged houses to remain vigilant and fully compliant with regulations.
Adjective
-
Wildlife enthusiasts find a different rhythm through AmaWaterways’ Africa Safaris & Wildlife Cruises, one that trades itinerary sprinting for long, watchful hours on the water.
-
Cruz is alluring and watchful, while Norton turns out to be the film’s secret weapon.
Cite this Entry
“Awake.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/awake. Accessed 2 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
