30 Other Ways to Say "Can’t Wait" (With Examples)

Finding the right words to convey excitement, care, or anticipation can make a big difference. Expressing “I can’t wait” in creative ways adds a touch of warmth and personality to your message.

Whether you’re sending a message to a friend, family member, or even a colleague, choosing thoughtful alternatives can make your excitement feel more genuine and meaningful. Here are 30 alternatives that say it all, along with when to use them, definitions, examples, and the right tone for each.

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What Does “Can’t Wait” Mean?

The phrase “can’t wait” is often used to convey anticipation, eagerness, or excitement about an upcoming event, meeting, or experience. It’s a casual expression that highlights someone’s enthusiasm and desire for something in the future. It’s commonly used to show warmth, excitement, or a friendly eagerness.

When to Use “Can’t Wait”

The phrase “can’t wait” is perfect for personal conversations and informal communication when you want to express genuine excitement or eagerness. It may not be suitable for formal writing, but it works well in emails, messages, and everyday interactions, especially with friends, family, and close colleagues.

Is It Professional/Polite to Say “Can’t Wait”?

In most casual or semi-formal settings, saying “can’t wait” is perfectly polite. However, in highly formal or professional settings, you may want to consider alternatives that sound more neutral, like “looking forward to.” Keep in mind your audience and the context to ensure your words fit the tone you want to convey.

Can’t Wait Synonyms:

I’m Counting Down the Days
So Excited I Can Hardly Wait
Looking Forward to It
I’m Eagerly Awaiting
I Can Barely Contain My Excitement
Thrilled for What’s Coming
I’m on the Edge of My Seat
Can Hardly Hold My Excitement
I’m So Pumped About This
Counting Down with Anticipation
I Can’t Wait to See What Happens
Ready and Waiting
Anticipating with Joy
Beyond Excited
Absolutely Thrilled
Can’t Wait to Jump In
Looking Ahead with Excitement
Thrilled to Pieces
On Pins and Needles
Filled with Anticipation
Pumped for What’s Next
Counting the Hours
Can’t Keep Calm About It
Ready for the Big Day
All Set and Excited
It Can’t Come Soon Enough
I’m Over the Moon About It
Beside Myself with Excitement
Practically Jumping Out of My Skin
Chomping at the Bit

1. I’m Counting Down the Days

Meaning: Excitement for a specific date or event.

Definition: This phrase shows a specific anticipation, almost as if you’re marking days off on a calendar.

Tone: Friendly and excited.

Example: “I’m counting down the days until our trip!”

Explanation: Use this when you want to convey eagerness for an event that has a specific date.

2. So Excited I Can Hardly Wait

Meaning: Overwhelming excitement that makes waiting difficult.

Definition: It emphasizes that the anticipation feels nearly unbearable due to excitement.

Tone: Enthusiastic and informal.

Example: “I’m so excited I can hardly wait for the concert!”

Explanation: This phrase works well when you want to convey extreme excitement in an informal setting.

3. Looking Forward to It

Meaning: A more professional or neutral way to express anticipation.

Definition: This phrase is polite and suitable for professional settings.

Tone: Polite and professional.

Example: “I’m looking forward to our meeting next week.”

Explanation: Ideal for formal conversations where you still want to show interest but keep a professional tone.

4. I’m Eagerly Awaiting

Meaning: Eagerness combined with patience.

Definition: This phrase adds a sense of controlled excitement.

Tone: Formal and respectful.

Example: “I’m eagerly awaiting your response.”

Explanation: Use this phrase in formal emails or professional settings where you want to convey both patience and excitement.

5. I Can Barely Contain My Excitement

Meaning: Overflowing excitement that’s difficult to hold back.

Definition: Implies that your excitement is almost spilling over.

Tone: Casual and enthusiastic.

Example: “I can barely contain my excitement about seeing you!”

Explanation: This phrase is perfect for casual interactions with close friends or family.

6. Thrilled for What’s Coming

Meaning: Happiness about upcoming events or changes.

Definition: Conveys a joyful anticipation without being overly intense.

Tone: Positive and upbeat.

Example: “I’m thrilled for what’s coming this weekend!”

Explanation: Use this to express positivity and warmth without sounding overly eager.

7. I’m on the Edge of My Seat

Meaning: Extreme anticipation as if you can’t sit still.

Definition: This phrase implies a physical expression of excitement.

Tone: Casual and playful.

Example: “I’m on the edge of my seat waiting for your news!”

Explanation: Ideal for light-hearted conversations where you want to add a touch of humor.

8. Can Hardly Hold My Excitement

Meaning: Enthusiasm that’s difficult to suppress.

Definition: Suggests that your excitement is challenging to keep in check.

Tone: Informal and genuine.

Example: “I can hardly hold my excitement for our dinner plans!”

Explanation: Use this with friends or family when you want to express true enthusiasm.

9. I’m So Pumped About This

Meaning: Energetic anticipation.

Definition: Implies high energy and excitement.

Tone: Informal and lively.

Example: “I’m so pumped about our weekend plans!”

Explanation: A good choice when you’re feeling highly energetic and want to pass on that vibe.

10. Counting Down with Anticipation

Meaning: Enthusiasm for a specific event, with a countdown in mind.

Definition: Conveys structured anticipation as if tracking time toward the event.

Tone: Warm and friendly.

Example: “I’m counting down with anticipation for your visit!”

Explanation: Use this when you’re focused on an upcoming event or specific date.

11. I Can’t Wait to See What Happens

Meaning: Excitement about an unknown outcome.

Definition: Conveys anticipation without knowing what’s ahead.

Tone: Casual and curious.

Example: “I can’t wait to see what happens at the party!”

Explanation: Works well when there’s an element of mystery or surprise involved.

12. Ready and Waiting

Meaning: Preparedness and excitement.

Definition: Implies that you’re all set and just waiting for the moment to arrive.

Tone: Enthusiastic and direct.

Example: “I’m ready and waiting for our big day!”

Explanation: Use this phrase when you feel fully prepared and excited for what’s to come.

13. Anticipating with Joy

Meaning: Looking forward to something with happiness.

Definition: Conveys that you’re filled with joy as you wait for the event.

Tone: Warm and positive.

Example: “I’m anticipating with joy our family reunion!”

Explanation: Ideal for heartfelt occasions where you want to show genuine happiness for what’s to come.

14. Beyond Excited

Meaning: Overwhelmingly enthusiastic.

Definition: Suggests that your excitement goes beyond the usual.

Tone: Casual and enthusiastic.

Example: “I’m beyond excited for your wedding!”

Explanation: Use this phrase when your excitement feels boundless and you want to express it in a big way.

15. Absolutely Thrilled

Meaning: Intense happiness and eagerness.

Definition: Emphasizes extreme joy and eagerness.

Tone: Formal to semi-formal, positive.

Example: “I’m absolutely thrilled about starting this new project!”

Explanation: Suitable for professional settings where you want to show enthusiastic support.

16. Can’t Wait to Jump In

Meaning: Eager to start an activity or project.

Definition: Conveys a readiness to begin.

Tone: Casual and enthusiastic.

Example: “I can’t wait to jump in and help with the event!”

Explanation: Use this phrase when you’re ready to actively participate and bring energy to a new endeavor.

17. Looking Ahead with Excitement

Meaning: Eager for what lies in the future.

Definition: Implies forward-thinking and positivity about upcoming events.

Tone: Formal and optimistic.

Example: “I’m looking ahead with excitement to our future projects.”

Explanation: Ideal for semi-formal conversations or emails where you want to express positive anticipation.

18. Thrilled to Pieces

Meaning: Extremely excited.

Definition: A playful way of saying you’re full of excitement.

Tone: Informal, lighthearted.

Example: “I’m thrilled to pieces about our weekend plans!”

Explanation: Great for casual settings where you want to keep the tone light and fun.

19. On Pins and Needles

Meaning: Nervous anticipation with excitement.

Definition: Implies a mix of excitement and a bit of nervousness.

Tone: Playful and informal.

Example: “I’m on pins and needles waiting for the announcement!”

Explanation: Use this phrase when you’re excited but also feeling some anxious anticipation.

20. Filled with Anticipation

Meaning: Full of eagerness and expectancy.

Definition: Suggests a sense of fullness with excitement.

Tone: Positive, flexible.

Example: “I’m filled with anticipation for the trip!”

Explanation: This phrase can work in both personal and semi-formal settings.

21. Pumped for What’s Next

Meaning: Excited for upcoming events or changes.

Definition: Conveys high energy and forward-thinking.

Tone: Informal and energetic.

Example: “I’m pumped for what’s next in our journey!”

Explanation: Ideal for friendly conversations, especially when sharing exciting plans.

22. Counting the Hours

Meaning: Eagerly waiting with precise anticipation.

Definition: Implies that you’re so excited, you’re watching the clock.

Tone: Casual and fun.

Example: “I’m counting the hours until our reunion!”

Explanation: Use this phrase to add a sense of urgency to your excitement.

23. Can’t Keep Calm About It

Meaning: Extreme enthusiasm that’s hard to contain.

Definition: Implies that the excitement makes staying calm challenging.

Tone: Playful and informal.

Example: “I can’t keep calm about seeing you soon!”

Explanation: Great for sharing excitement in an animated and relatable way.

24. Ready for the Big Day

Meaning: Preparedness and eagerness for an upcoming event.

Definition: Conveys both excitement and readiness.

Tone: Positive and warm.

Example: “I’m ready for the big day with so much excitement!”

Explanation: Perfect for expressing excitement about a specific, significant day or event.

25. All Set and Excited

Meaning: Preparedness combined with anticipation.

Definition: Suggests that you’re fully ready and just waiting to start.

Tone: Casual to semi-formal.

Example: “I’m all set and excited for our presentation!”

Explanation: Suitable for expressing eagerness in both professional and personal conversations.

26. It Can’t Come Soon Enough

Meaning: Wishing the event could happen sooner due to excitement.

Definition: Conveys an impatience born from excitement.

Tone: Informal and enthusiastic.

Example: “It can’t come soon enough—I’m so excited for our plans!”

Explanation: This phrase works well in casual conversations, especially when you’re eagerly awaiting an event.

27. I’m Over the Moon About It

Meaning: Intense joy and excitement.

Definition: Implies that you’re very happy and thrilled.

Tone: Warm and joyful.

Example: “I’m over the moon about our upcoming holiday!”

Explanation: Perfect for sharing happiness and excitement in a heartfelt way.

28. Beside Myself with Excitement

Meaning: Excitement that feels almost overwhelming.

Definition: Conveys an extreme level of anticipation.

Tone: Casual, a bit dramatic.

Example: “I’m beside myself with excitement for our plans!”

Explanation: This phrase works when you want to share an intense level of enthusiasm.

29. Practically Jumping Out of My Skin

Meaning: Excitement that’s hard to contain physically.

Definition: Conveys a sense of bouncing energy and impatience.

Tone: Playful and animated.

Example: “I’m practically jumping out of my skin waiting for the weekend!”

Explanation: Great for close friends or family when you want to add humor to your excitement.

30. Chomping at the Bit

Meaning: Impatient eagerness.

Definition: Conveys the sense of being unable to wait any longer.

Tone: Informal, slightly humorous.

Example: “I’m chomping at the bit to see how everything turns out!”

Explanation: Ideal for conversations where you want to add a playful tone to your excitement.

Conclusion

Finding the right words to express anticipation can make a message feel warmer and more meaningful. Whether you’re communicating with friends, family, or colleagues, these alternatives to “can’t wait” provide plenty of options to suit your mood, relationship, and context.

Choose one that resonates with you, and watch how a little thoughtfulness can elevate the excitement in your messages.