Do you ever find yourself stuck using the phrase “can’t wait” over and over again? Believe me, I get it. Whether you’re texting your best friend about weekend plans, emailing a coworker about a project deadline, or posting on social media about an upcoming concert in New York City, this expression is one of the easiest go-tos when you’re excited or eager. But here’s the truth: repeating “can’t wait” too much can make your writing, chats, or speeches feel a bit flat or predictable.
That’s why I’ve put together 25 fresh, exciting alternatives that will help you express your enthusiasm with more style and personality. These vibrant phrases will shine whether you’re talking about events like a family reunion at your favorite restaurant, looking forward to seeing a celebrity, or gearing up for a trip to iconic places like Paris or Tokyo.
Imagine how much more fun and impactful your messages could be when you swap out “can’t wait” for something new and vibrant, whether you’re sharing your excitement about a new book by a famous author or cheering on your favorite sports team. Ready to boost your vocabulary, impress your friends, and make your words pop? Dive into this list — your language skills will thank you, and your readers or listeners will notice the difference!
Let’s explore these creative, precise expressions that capture enthusiasm, anticipation, and joy in unique ways. Scroll down to find each synonym explained, powerful usage examples, and why they work so well. This little upgrade to your word choice will make a big difference in your conversations, emails, social posts, and beyond!
25 Alternatives to “Can’t Wait”
1. Eager to see
Explanation:
“Eager to see” expresses a strong desire or enthusiasm to witness or experience something soon. It’s a friendly, warm way to show you are excited without sounding too casual or repetitive.
Usage Examples:
- I’m eager to see how your new project turns out.
- She’s eager to see her favorite band perform live.
- We’re eager to see the results of the test.
- He’s eager to see the final cut of the movie.
- I’m eager to see you at the party this weekend!
Why it works:
This phrase combines enthusiasm and anticipation in a clear and positive way. It’s great for both casual and professional conversations because it feels genuine and thoughtful.
2. Looking forward to
Explanation:
One of the most popular and polite ways to express excitement about a future event. “Looking forward to” is versatile and works in both formal and informal settings.
Usage Examples:
- I’m looking forward to our meeting tomorrow.
- She’s looking forward to her vacation next month.
- We’re looking forward to tasting your new recipe.
- He’s looking forward to starting his new job.
- I’m really looking forward to catching up soon.
Why it works:
It’s a respectful phrase that clearly shows positive anticipation and eagerness, making it a perfect choice for professional and social use.
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3. Excited about
Explanation:
“Excited about” directly conveys strong positive feelings toward something upcoming. It’s enthusiastic and expressive without being over the top.
Usage Examples:
- I’m excited about the concert next week!
- She’s excited about the new book release.
- They’re excited about moving into their new house.
- He’s excited about the upcoming game.
- I’m excited about meeting everyone at the conference.
Why it works:
This phrase is straightforward and energetic, showing enthusiasm and positive emotion clearly and effectively.
4. Anxious to
Explanation:
While “anxious” can sometimes mean nervous, in this phrase it often means eager or keen. It’s a slightly more formal way to express strong anticipation.
Usage Examples:
- I’m anxious to hear your feedback.
- She’s anxious to start her new course.
- They’re anxious to meet the team.
- He’s anxious to get started on the project.
- I’m anxious to see how things turn out.
Why it works:
It conveys urgent eagerness with a hint of seriousness, which can add depth to your expression.
5. Thrilled for
Explanation:
“Thrilled for” expresses intense excitement and happiness for an upcoming event or for someone else’s success.
Usage Examples:
- I’m thrilled for your promotion!
- She’s thrilled for the upcoming trip.
- They’re thrilled for the new baby.
- He’s thrilled for the big game tomorrow.
- I’m thrilled for the opportunity to join the team.
Why it works:
It highlights joyful excitement with a warm, personal touch that resonates well in heartfelt conversations.
6. Pumped up about
Explanation:
“Pumped up about” is a lively, energetic way to express high excitement and readiness. It carries a youthful, informal vibe that shows you’re fully charged and enthusiastic.
Usage Examples:
- I’m really pumped up about the concert tonight!
- She’s pumped up about the big game this weekend.
- We’re pumped up about launching the new product.
- He’s pumped up about his upcoming birthday party.
- I’m pumped up about starting my new workout routine.
Why it works:
This phrase conveys high energy and enthusiasm. It’s perfect when you want to sound spirited and relatable, especially in casual conversations.
7. Counting down the days
Explanation:
This expression paints a vivid picture of eager waiting. It’s great for showing that you’re so excited, you’re literally marking the time until the event.
Usage Examples:
- I’m counting down the days until my vacation!
- She’s counting down the days to her graduation.
- We’re counting down the days until the concert.
- He’s counting down the days to the game release.
- I’m counting down the days until we meet again.
Why it works:
It captures the sense of impatient anticipation and makes your excitement feel very real and heartfelt.
8. Ready for
Explanation:
“Ready for” shows eagerness and preparation for something upcoming. It’s simple, confident, and shows you’re set to enjoy or face what’s next.
Usage Examples:
- I’m ready for the weekend getaway.
- She’s ready for her big presentation.
- They’re ready for the new challenge.
- He’s ready for the trip ahead.
- I’m ready for the party tonight!
Why it works:
It suggests both excitement and preparedness, making your expression clear and strong.
9. Buzzing for
Explanation:
“Buzzing for” is a fun, informal way to say you’re excited and full of energy about something coming up.
Usage Examples:
- I’m buzzing for the festival this weekend!
- She’s buzzing for the movie premiere.
- We’re buzzing for the team’s big win.
- He’s buzzing for the concert.
- I’m buzzing for the surprise party.
Why it works:
It’s a vibrant, expressive phrase that adds a spark of fun and eagerness to your words.
10. On pins and needles
Explanation:
This phrase conveys a mix of excitement and nervous anticipation. It’s useful when you’re eager but also a bit anxious about what’s coming.
Usage Examples:
- I’m on pins and needles waiting for the test results.
- She’s on pins and needles before her performance.
- We’re on pins and needles about the competition outcome.
- He’s on pins and needles until the interview.
- I’m on pins and needles about the surprise announcement.
Why it works:
It combines eagerness with suspense, adding emotional depth and tension to your excitement.
11. Jazzed about
Explanation:
“Jazzed about” is a spirited and upbeat way to say you’re very excited and enthusiastic.
Usage Examples:
- I’m jazzed about the new project at work.
- She’s jazzed about meeting the author.
- They’re jazzed about the upcoming festival.
- He’s jazzed about starting his new hobby.
- I’m jazzed about the weekend plans.
Why it works:
It adds a playful and lively tone, perfect for casual chats or informal writing.
12. Stoked for
Explanation:
“Stoked for” is a popular slang expression showing strong excitement and anticipation, often used in sports and youth culture.
Usage Examples:
- I’m stoked for the surf trip next week!
- She’s stoked for the concert tonight.
- We’re stoked for the championship game.
- He’s stoked for the new video game release.
- I’m stoked for the party this weekend.
Why it works:
This phrase carries a cool, energetic vibe that instantly shows you’re pumped and ready.
13. All set for
Explanation:
“All set for” shows you are ready and excited for something coming soon. It’s a positive, confident phrase.
Usage Examples:
- I’m all set for the road trip.
- She’s all set for her big presentation.
- They’re all set for the wedding day.
- He’s all set for the final exam.
- I’m all set for the family reunion.
Why it works:
It highlights both enthusiasm and preparation, making it reassuring and upbeat.
14. Anticipating
Explanation:
“Anticipating” is a slightly more formal way to express expectation and excitement about a future event.
Usage Examples:
- I’m anticipating a great turnout at the event.
- She’s anticipating a positive response.
- They’re anticipating good weather for the picnic.
- He’s anticipating the new season launch.
- I’m anticipating meeting you soon.
Why it works:
It shows hopeful expectation with a balanced tone, ideal for professional and casual uses.
15. Chomping at the bit
Explanation:
This idiom means you are very eager or impatient to do something. It comes from horse racing but is often used in everyday language.
Usage Examples:
- I’m chomping at the bit to start my vacation!
- She’s chomping at the bit to try the new restaurant.
- They’re chomping at the bit to get their results.
- He’s chomping at the bit to join the team.
- I’m chomping at the bit for the concert.
Why it works:
It expresses strong eagerness and impatience with a colorful, memorable phrase.
16. Fired up about
Explanation:
“Fired up about” means you are excited and motivated about something.
Usage Examples:
- I’m fired up about the upcoming tournament.
- She’s fired up about the new business idea.
- They’re fired up about the charity event.
- He’s fired up about finishing the project.
- I’m fired up about the weekend plans.
Why it works:
It mixes excitement with motivation, making it ideal for energetic communication.
17. Enthusiastic about
Explanation:
“Enthusiastic about” expresses a genuine and strong interest or excitement.
Usage Examples:
- I’m enthusiastic about learning new skills.
- She’s enthusiastic about joining the workshop.
- They’re enthusiastic about the community event.
- He’s enthusiastic about the new job role.
- I’m enthusiastic about volunteering.
Why it works:
It communicates positive energy and genuine interest in a clear, respectful way.
18. Can hardly wait for
Explanation:
This phrase is very similar to “can’t wait” but slightly more formal and emphatic.
Usage Examples:
- I can hardly wait for the movie premiere!
- She can hardly wait for the holiday season.
- They can hardly wait for the concert.
- He can hardly wait for the weekend.
- I can hardly wait for the new book release.
Why it works:
It strengthens your sense of impatience and excitement, making it sound fresh but familiar.
19. Keen on
Explanation:
“Keen on” means you are interested in or excited about something, often with a positive attitude.
Usage Examples:
- I’m keen on trying the new cafe.
- She’s keen on learning French.
- They’re keen on attending the festival.
- He’s keen on playing basketball this season.
- I’m keen on starting my art project.
Why it works:
It’s a friendly, polite way to show interest and enthusiasm in both formal and informal settings.
20. Hyped about
Explanation:
“Hyped about” is a casual, modern way to express excitement and high anticipation.
Usage Examples:
- I’m hyped about the concert tomorrow!
- She’s hyped about her birthday party.
- We’re hyped about the new movie release.
- He’s hyped about the game.
- I’m hyped about starting college.
Why it works:
It’s a trendy, energetic phrase that connects well with younger audiences.
21. Raring to go
Explanation:
“Raring to go” means you are very eager and ready to start something.
Usage Examples:
- I’m raring to go on our trip.
- She’s raring to go for the marathon.
- They’re raring to go for the new project.
- He’s raring to go to the concert.
- I’m raring to go with the presentation.
Why it works:
It combines enthusiasm and readiness, making your excitement feel proactive.
Learn More:Other Ways to Say “I Understand”
22. Over the moon about
Explanation:
“Over the moon about” means extremely happy and excited.
Usage Examples:
- I’m over the moon about my promotion!
- She’s over the moon about the engagement.
- They’re over the moon about their new home.
- He’s over the moon about the award.
- I’m over the moon about the good news.
Why it works:
It shows joyful excitement with a vivid, heartfelt phrase that grabs attention.
23. Psyched for
Explanation:
“Psyched for” means very excited and mentally prepared for something.
Usage Examples:
- I’m psyched for the concert tonight!
- She’s psyched for the final exam.
- We’re psyched for the game tomorrow.
- He’s psyched for the road trip.
- I’m psyched for the new season premiere.
Why it works:
It’s a casual phrase full of energy and mental readiness, perfect for informal speech.
24. Revved up about
Explanation:
“Revved up about” means very excited and full of energy.
Usage Examples:
- I’m revved up about the football game.
- She’s revved up about the dance performance.
- They’re revved up about the festival.
- He’s revved up about the new car.
- I’m revved up about the upcoming party.
Why it works:
It conveys enthusiasm and high energy with a fun, active image.
25. Impatient for
Explanation:
“Impatient for” shows that you are eager and can’t wait for something to happen soon.
Usage Examples:
- I’m impatient for the holidays.
- She’s impatient for the concert.
- They’re impatient for the announcement.
- He’s impatient for the game to start.
- I’m impatient for the weekend.
Why it works:
It communicates strong desire and eagerness, adding a slightly urgent tone to your excitement.
Conclusion
By swapping “can’t wait” with any of these vibrant alternatives, you’ll upgrade your vocabulary, making your expressions richer and more engaging. Each phrase offers a unique way to share your excitement, whether you want to sound professional, casual, playful, or heartfelt. Using these will not only help your communication stand out with personality but also connect better with your audience.
Give these synonyms a try next time you want to show enthusiasm, and watch how your words come alive! Keep exploring new ways to express yourself — the right words can truly make all the difference.
I’m Leo Knox, the wordplay wizard behind WordsTwists.com where I turn everyday meanings into funny, clever, and creative twists. If you’re tired of saying things the boring way, I’ve got a better (and funnier) one for you!
