1
as in awake
not sleeping or able to sleep
was wide-awake with worry for most of the night
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in alert
paying close attention usually for the purpose of anticipating approaching danger or opportunity
investors who were wide-awake bought the stock as soon as it was offered
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 wide-awake
The slim, precision wand grips even the straightest lashes, creating a wide-awake, lash-lift effect in just one coat.
—
Olivia Cefalu, InStyle, 26 Jan. 2026
From horror flicks and wild comedies to chilling thrillers and works that defy any genre, these films will keep you wide-awake and on the edge of your seat.
—Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 10 Dec. 2025
The relationship appears now irreparable, sounding the alarm on the most wide-awake RB sleeper in years.
—John Laghezza, New York Times, 22 Aug. 2025
The cognitive muscle work of creativity—of art and scientific research and philosophical insight—is all conducted by wide-awake thinkers.
—Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 8 Aug. 2025
The lightweight formula melts in easily, plays well with makeup, and gives you a wide-awake glow, even on the most tired undereyes.
—Christa Joanna Lee, Glamour, 23 July 2025
Then, the video transitioned to a completely different scene—Cody, wide-awake, barking and howling, pacing around the house, and even chewing household items.
—Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 22 Feb. 2025
Swipe it on the inner corners of your eyes for an instant eye-brightening, wide-awake effect.
—Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 17 Feb. 2025
Pedro Pascal, Kristen Stewart, and Sebastian Stan films hit Sundance 2024: See the full lineup
MIDNIGHT
From horror flicks and wild comedies to chilling thrillers and works that defy any genre, these films will keep you wide-awake and on the edge of your seat.
—Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 11 Dec. 2024
Olivia Cefalu, InStyle, 26 Jan. 2026
From horror flicks and wild comedies to chilling thrillers and works that defy any genre, these films will keep you wide-awake and on the edge of your seat.
—Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 10 Dec. 2025
The relationship appears now irreparable, sounding the alarm on the most wide-awake RB sleeper in years.
—John Laghezza, New York Times, 22 Aug. 2025
The cognitive muscle work of creativity—of art and scientific research and philosophical insight—is all conducted by wide-awake thinkers.
—Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 8 Aug. 2025
The lightweight formula melts in easily, plays well with makeup, and gives you a wide-awake glow, even on the most tired undereyes.
—Christa Joanna Lee, Glamour, 23 July 2025
Then, the video transitioned to a completely different scene—Cody, wide-awake, barking and howling, pacing around the house, and even chewing household items.
—Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 22 Feb. 2025
Swipe it on the inner corners of your eyes for an instant eye-brightening, wide-awake effect.
—Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 17 Feb. 2025
Pedro Pascal, Kristen Stewart, and Sebastian Stan films hit Sundance 2024: See the full lineup
MIDNIGHT
From horror flicks and wild comedies to chilling thrillers and works that defy any genre, these films will keep you wide-awake and on the edge of your seat.
—Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 11 Dec. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wide-awake
Adjective
-
Her 14-year-old son heard police sirens, and the fear that had kept him awake at night and distracted him in school finally spilled into panic.—
Jacqueline Charles,
Miami Herald,
30 Jan. 2026
-
One night, a few days after the shooting, the sound of helicopters circling overhead in the aftermath of another ICE shooting kept her awake before her morning cross-training.—
David Gleisner,
Outside,
29 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
While investors remain alert for any signs that the bubble is about to burst, most analysts continue to see meaningful adoption.—
Karl Freund,
Forbes.com,
26 Jan. 2026
-
The child, who was alert and conscious, was taken to Norton Children’s Hospital, Sears said.—
Caroline Neal,
Louisville Courier Journal,
23 Jan. 2026
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.—
Emily Kay Votruba,
EverydayHealth.com,
31 Mar. 2025
-
Lauren Goode: Who among us doesn't want to have a nap gently guided by our wakeful rhythm?—
Lauren Goode,
WIRED,
16 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
How to avoid stimulus check scams As plans for any forthcoming checks remain unclear, stimulus scams have become so widespread that the IRS has cautioned the public to stay vigilant.—
Josh Kelly,
Oklahoman,
3 Feb. 2026
-
With very little in the way of information about how Nancy Guthrie was taken, and what exactly happened, there’s not much for people to do but pray and be vigilant.—
Lizzie Lanuza,
StyleCaster,
3 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
But that doesn’t mean there won’t be any adjustment in how its firms proceed there in the face of a more watchful US.—
Simone McCarthy,
CNN Money,
31 Jan. 2026
-
For over two decades, efforts to lift the Oakland Police Department out from under the watchful eye of a federal judge have fallen short.—
Shomik Mukherjee,
Mercury News,
31 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Wide-awake.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wide-awake. Accessed 6 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
