with bated breath
idiom
: in a nervous and excited state anticipating what will happen
They waited for the answer on their application with bated breath.
Examples of with bated breath in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The British comedy world has been waiting with bated breath for the cast, which came Tuesday featuring 11 of the UK’s best and brightest comedians.
—
Max Goldbart, Deadline, 6 Feb. 2026
Always falling on February 2nd—the halfway point between the winter solstice and spring equinox—people all over the world wait with bated breath to find out if Punxsutawney Phil will see his shadow.
—Marilyn La Jeunesse, Parents, 31 Jan. 2026
Atlanta’s political leaders watch with bated breath every year when state lawmakers descend on Georgia’s Capitol for the 40-day legislative session.
—Riley Bunch, AJC.com, 13 Jan. 2026
Importers aren’t the only ones waiting with bated breath on a decision.
—Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 13 Jan. 2026
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Max Goldbart, Deadline, 6 Feb. 2026
Always falling on February 2nd—the halfway point between the winter solstice and spring equinox—people all over the world wait with bated breath to find out if Punxsutawney Phil will see his shadow.
—Marilyn La Jeunesse, Parents, 31 Jan. 2026
Atlanta’s political leaders watch with bated breath every year when state lawmakers descend on Georgia’s Capitol for the 40-day legislative session.
—Riley Bunch, AJC.com, 13 Jan. 2026
Importers aren’t the only ones waiting with bated breath on a decision.
—Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 13 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for with bated breath
Cite this Entry
“With bated breath.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/with%20bated%20breath. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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