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Definitions

bated

[bey-tid] / ˈbeɪ tɪd /
ADJECTIVE
faint
Synonyms
STRONGEST
delicate dim distant dull far-off gentle hazy inaudible mild muffled muted remote slight soft soothing stifled vague weak
STRONG
aside bleached blurred deadened deep faded faltering hushed light low moderate murmuring muttering obscure padded pale piano quiet smooth softened subdued thin wan whispered
WEAK
bland breathless dusty epicene feeble hoarse ill-defined imperceptible indistinct lenient low-pitched out of earshot shadowy tenuous unclear
Antonyms
STRONGEST
bright certain clear close definite distinct firm friendly harsh healthy intelligent loud near nearby rough sharp smart strong sure thick violent warm
STRONG
boisterous colorful heavy uncontrolled
WEAK
bold brave courageous resolute
ADJECTIVE
weak
Synonyms
STRONGEST
dull feeble low poor quiet small thin
WEAK
dim distant gentle imperceptible inaudible indistinct muffled pale reedy slight stifled unaccented unstressed whispered
Antonyms
WEAK
loud noisy

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

So I sent an email and waited with bated breath to see if I had finally found the smoked salmon.

From Salon • Feb. 28, 2026

He snatched provisional top spot in beautiful, sunny conditions, but could only watch with bated breath as his understudy took to the start hut.

From Barron's • Feb. 7, 2026

We wait with bated breath to hear about others apparently in the crosshairs of would-be “efficiency” cuts.

From Slate • Feb. 7, 2025

Finally, with the reservoir filled with water, I plugged in the pump and stood over my creation with bated breath.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 25, 2024

And we looked with bated breath into the blank and expressionless features of the man of science, asking with our total beings: Do you bring us hope or disaster?

From "Invisible Man" by Ralph Ellison