awake 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of awakenext
1
as in wakeful
not sleeping or able to sleep was awake until 3:00 a.m.

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in alert
paying close attention usually for the purpose of anticipating approaching danger or opportunity awake to the possibility of trouble at the demonstration

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

awake

2 of 2

verb

ə-ˈwāk How to pronounce awake (audio)
1
as in to wake
to cause to stop sleeping awoke the boys for breakfast

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to awaken
to cease to be asleep at the sound of breaking glass she awoke with a start

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective awake contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of awake are alive, aware, cognizant, conscious, and sensible. While all these words mean "having knowledge of something," awake implies that one has become alive to something and is on the alert.

a country always awake to the threat of invasion

How do alive and sensible relate to one another, in the sense of awake?

Alive adds to sensible the implication of acute sensitivity to something.

alive to the thrill of danger

When is aware a more appropriate choice than awake?

The synonyms aware and awake are sometimes interchangeable, but aware implies vigilance in observing or alertness in drawing inferences from what one experiences.

aware of changes in climate

In what contexts can cognizant take the place of awake?

In some situations, the words cognizant and awake are roughly equivalent. However, cognizant implies having special or certain knowledge as from firsthand sources.

not fully cognizant of the facts

When would conscious be a good substitute for awake?

Although the words conscious and awake have much in common, conscious implies that one is focusing one's attention on something or is even preoccupied by it.

conscious that my heart was pounding

When is it sensible to use sensible instead of awake?

While the synonyms sensible and awake are close in meaning, sensible implies direct or intuitive perceiving especially of intangibles or of emotional states or qualities.

sensible of a teacher's influence

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 awake
Adjective
This technique is designed to break the mental association between your bed and the frustration of being awake. — Sharon Brandwein, USA Today, 27 June 2026 Fire officials later said the lifeguard remained awake throughout the ordeal and was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. — Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 23 June 2026
Verb
According to the San Bernardino County Fire Department, the man awoke to a bear paw. — Julie Sharp, CBS News, 18 June 2026 Not obsessed One Wish Willow Nikki, but actual Nikki, now awoken from her curse when Bear dies. — Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for awake
Recent Examples of Synonyms for awake
  1. wakeful
  2. alert
  3. wake
  4. awaken
  5. vigilant
  6. watchful
Adjective
  • Low to medium doses show a reduction in the alpha frequency of brain waves (which correspond to relaxed and wakeful states), along with rising entropy, a signature finding of sober brains sinking deeper into a trip.
    — Oshan Jarow, Vox, 4 Nov. 2024
  • Having the right pillow can make a big difference between a peaceful night’s sleep and a restless, wakeful one.
    — Casey Clark, Peoplemag, 9 Sep. 2024
Definition of wakeful
Adjective
  • And many key aspects of society rely on the data centers that have been built over the decades, serving websites, handling online purchases and delivering emails, text messages and alert notices.
    — Lauren Mullenbach, The Conversation, 1 July 2026
  • During an air quality alert day, state environmental authorities recommend to avoid strenuous outdoor activities as much as possible, especially people who have existing health conditions such as heart disease or asthma.
    — Paula Wethington, CBS News, 29 June 2026
Definition of alert
Verb
  • The country is finally waking to the comedown Vance predicted.
    — Peter Wehner, The Atlantic, 4 July 2026
  • And, on Friday, thousands in Australia will wake and gather, before dawn, to watch the Socceroos play Egypt in the round of thirty-two.
    — Naaman Zhou, New Yorker, 1 July 2026
Definition of wake
Verb
  • Badly wounded in a battle of revenge, Robin Hood is brought to a priory and tended by Sister Brigid (Jodie Comer), whose generosity awakens his finer feelings and spurs him to virtuous, self-sacrificing action.
    — Rachel Syme, New Yorker, 26 June 2026
  • Once your makeup is removed and your face is cleansed, add a hydrating cream like the All About Eyes Lightweight Eye Cream, then use the De-Puffing Eye Roller in the morning to awaken and brighten your eyes for the day.
    — Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 26 June 2026
Definition of awaken
Adjective
  • Be vigilant about never leaving young children and pets in vehicles without supervision, especially during periods of intense heat, as car interiors can quickly become extremely hot.
    — CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 5 July 2026
  • Consumers are advised to be vigilant and avoid using debit cards for online purchases due to less fraud protection.
    — Steve Weisman, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026
Definition of vigilant
Adjective
  • Wildlife enthusiasts find a different rhythm through AmaWaterways’ Africa Safaris & Wildlife Cruises, one that trades itinerary sprinting for long, watchful hours on the water.
    — Condé Nast Traveler, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 June 2026
  • Cruz is alluring and watchful, while Norton turns out to be the film’s secret weapon.
    — Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 25 June 2026
Definition of watchful

Browse Nearby Words

awaits
awake
awaken
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Cite this Entry

“Awake.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/awake. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on awake

Nglish: Translation of awake for Spanish Speakers

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