await

verb

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\ ə-ˈwāt

awaited; awaiting; awaits

Definition of await

transitive verb

1a : to wait for We are awaiting his arrival. await a decision

b : to remain in abeyance until a treaty awaiting ratification

2 : to be in store for He wonders what awaits him next.

3 obsolete : to lie in wait for

intransitive verb

1 : to stay or be in waiting : wait The nation awaited as Congress debated the issue.

2 : to be in store … marched … north to civilization where fame and fortune awaited.— Tom Marvel

3 obsolete : attend

Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about await

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Examples of await in a Sentence

A crowd of people awaited the train. We're eagerly awaiting his arrival. He was arrested and is now in prison awaiting trial. Her long-awaited new novel is finally being published. The same fate awaits us all.

Recent Examples on the Web This city has changed enormously in the nearly three decades since — Big Dig, Seaport, the list goes on — but nothing like the changes that may await all cities as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. — BostonGlobe.com, "These works of art show why cities will endure," 22 Apr. 2021 And with 12 games to go and their next three of them against the Red Wings, the Stars must load up on points with all the final difficult road challenges that await. — Tim Cowlishaw, Dallas News, "While Stars’ stretch vs. Red Wings is an opportunity to pile up points, their shootout win shows it’s going to be a grind," 19 Apr. 2021 Since the new Congress started in January, the House has passed at least two dozen bills that await Senate action. — Savannah Behrmann, USA TODAY, "A heap of Democratic bills on guns, immigration and women's rights are sitting in the Senate, where they need Republican support," 23 Mar. 2021 Drexel coach Zach Spiker said, meaning the challenges that still await. — Eddie Pells, Star Tribune, "March Madness: 68 teams punch ticket; the hard part awaits," 15 Mar. 2021 Often, the goal is to send churchgoers back into the world renewed, perhaps edified but surely fortified for the trials that await. — Washington Post, "Racism targets some but works against everybody," 12 Mar. 2021 Think couches, desks, throw pillow covers, mirrors, and wall sconces—just to name a few of the items that await. — Christie Calucchia, Southern Living, "There's an Entire Section of Modern Farmhouse Decor Hiding on Amazon (and It's Good)," 4 Mar. 2021 Snorkeling, stand up paddle boarding, windsurfing, and more await you on Maui’s shores. — Patricia Doherty, Travel + Leisure, "Maui Travel Guide," 2 Mar. 2021 When the ice melts and the roads are clear, Burl Yarbrough and what remains of his staff will get back to the ballpark and find out which new projects await them. — Mike Finger, San Antonio Express-News, "Bright side for Missions: baseball finally awaits," 18 Feb. 2021

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'await.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.