Await — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb /ə-ˈwāt/

Meaning & Definition of Await

Await (verb)

  1. to wait for
  2. to remain in abeyance until
  3. to be in store for

Await (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to believe in the future occurrence of (something)

    "members of the sect are confidently awaiting the imminent end of the world"

    similar: anticipate, expect, hope (for), watch (for), look for, look forward to
    related: bank on, count (on or upon), depend (on or upon), rely (on or upon), wait (for), envisage, envision, foresee, foretell, predict, prophesy, assume, presume, presuppose, contemplate, eye, view
    near: doubt, question

  2. to remain in place in readiness or expectation of something

    "crowds had been awaiting in the streets for hours"

    similar: bide, hold on, stay, wait, bide one's time, cool one's heels, hold one's breath, sit tight
    related: hang around, linger, remain, stick around, tarry, stand by, anticipate, expect, watch (for)

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Await

The most common words with a similar meaning to Await:

anticipate, expect, hope (for), watch (for), bide, hold on, stay, wait, look for, look forward to, bide one's time, cool one's heels, hold one's breath, sit tight

Related Words for Await

bank on, count (on or upon), depend (on or upon), rely (on or upon), wait (for), envisage, envision, foresee, foretell, predict, prophesy, assume, presume, presuppose, contemplate, eye, view, hang around, linger, remain, stick around, tarry, stand by

Near Antonyms of Await

doubt, question

Word Forms of Await

Inflections: awaited, awaiting, awaits

Origin & Etymology of Await

Middle English, from Anglo-French aweiter, aguaiter, from a- (from Latin ad-) + guaiter to watch wait

First known use: 13th centuryt

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Await

Frequently Asked Questions about Await

What does "Await" mean?

"Await" means to wait for. As a verb, it is defined as: to wait for. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Await"?

Other words for "Await" include anticipate, expect, hope (for), watch (for), bide, hold on, stay and wait. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Await" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Await"?

There are 37 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Await". Common alternatives include anticipate, expect, hope (for), watch (for), bide, hold on, stay, wait, look for and look forward to.

How do you use "Await" in a sentence?

Examples of "Await" in a sentence: "members of the sect are confidently awaiting the imminent end of the world"; "crowds had been awaiting in the streets for hours".

Is "Await" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Await" is a verb.

Is "Await" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a C1-level word, "Await" is typical of Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE), IELTS band 7.0–8.0, TOEFL iBT 95–113, PTE Academic 76–84, TOEIC Listening & Reading 945+. Advanced words like this are also useful for the GRE, SAT, GMAT, and LSAT.

How do you pronounce "Await"?

"Await" is pronounced /ə-ˈwāt/.

What is the origin of the word "Await"?

"Await" comes from Middle English, from Anglo-French aweiter, aguaiter, from a- (from Latin ad-) + guaiter to watch wait. First known use: 13th centuryt.