AGAPE Synonyms: 26 Similar and Opposite Words

agape

adjective

ə-ˈgāp

Definition of agape

as in watchful

having or showing signs of eagerly awaiting something at the sound of the sleigh bells the children were all agape, waiting for Santa to appear

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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 agape Anyone who knows Payton’s history was left with mouths agape on what happened next. — Troy Renck, Denver Post, 27 Sep. 2026 Passersby pause to take in the beauty of her native plants or offer a compliment, and children, mouths agape and fingers pointing, marvel at the buzzing inhabitants. — Charlotte Observer, 25 Sep. 2025 The first time my son and I drove through Pigeon Forge, our mouths were agape. — Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 20 Sep. 2025 The 15-strong panel’s mouths were still agape as Quentin took his leave, followed by Clark and Schuler. — Jay Glennie, HollywoodReporter, 19 Sep. 2025 Visitors will find themselves with jaws agape at the striking jagged mountain peaks, looming glaciers, and slick icebergs, all set to the backdrop of moody, misty weather—this is a photographer’s dream adventure. — Stefanie Waldek, AFAR Media, 12 Sep. 2025 In that light, Superman might not have it so bad after all, with Luthor’s questing jealousy, not to mention the agape disbelief of a cynical humanity, always there to establish the stakes. — Derek Robertson, The Washington Examiner, 8 Aug. 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for agape

Adjective

The sanctuary gave her space to socialize and play in a setting close to her natural habitat under the watchful eyes of adoptive gorilla mothers.

— Elodie Toto, Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2026
John has been groomed by his parents—under the watchful eye of the Guardians—to eventually replace the rule-defying and frequently reckless Hal, who lost both parents.

— Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of watchful

Adjective

Tech companies are eager for vast tracts to build data centers that can be as large as 70 football fields, and Townsite could set a precedent for similar projects on federal property with more than a dozen others in the planning stages.

— Jessica Hill, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026
The shores of Clearwater Beach are packed block-to-block with resorts booked up by eager beachgoers, but the JW Marriott might just be the one to convince you to hang around a little bit longer before launching into Clearwater’s ombré coast.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of eager

Adjective

The crowds outside a major fashion show often start to form a few hours in advance, with expectant fans hoping to spot their favorite celebrities.

— José Criales-Unzueta, Vanity Fair, 28 Sep. 2026
English also included a selfie of the expectant parents, who got engaged in December, with smiles on their faces.

— Kayla Grant, PEOPLE, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of expectant

Adjective

Support from the faculty was enthusiastic, and Louise worked closely with professors in many departments to ensure the museum’s exhibitions complemented their classes.

— Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026
In that raucous public square known as Reddit, anti-Trumpers are planning protests, evidence that Trump should not expect an overwhelmingly enthusiastic welcome in the traditionally red Sunflower State.

— Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of enthusiastic

Adjective

Young is making quick decisions and firing a lot of anticipatory balls before his receivers are even out of their cuts.

— Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 24 Sep. 2026
Instead of requiring you to check it, the interface becomes conversational and anticipatory.

— Antoine Sallis, Forbes.com, 23 Sep. 2026

Definition of anticipatory

Adjective

Kathleen Hanna was at least as agog as any of the rest of us at the realization the band was playing to a pretty full and definitely engaged field of (primarily) women, something that would have seemed like science-fiction in their heyday.

— Chris Willman, Variety, 30 Aug. 2026
The reader’s dilemma is not so different from the writer who now navigates a community agog with a game of Find the Imposter, where everyone is both player and umpire.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 22 May 2026

Definition of agog

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against

agape

age

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“Agape.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/agape. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of agape

adjective

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