19 Other Ways to Say “Can’t Wait”

Anticipation is part of what makes life exciting. Whether you’re waiting for a friend’s wedding, a long-awaited vacation, or the release of a new movie, finding the right way to express your excitement can make all the difference. If you keep saying “I can’t wait!”, it might start to sound repetitive. So why not mix things up with these vibrant and expressive alternatives?

Below are other ways to say “can’t wait”, each paired with a real-world scenario—like an email, text, or conversation—so you can see exactly how to use them in context. Whether you’re writing in a professional context, chatting in casual conversations, or preparing for heartfelt occasions, there’s something here for every tone and moment.

Eagerly Anticipating

This phrase carries a touch of sophisticated tone. It’s perfect for formal settings or when you’re expressing deeper or more thoughtful anticipation.

Example (Email):

Subject: Our Upcoming Collaboration

Hi Dr. Keller,

I’m eagerly anticipating our strategy session next Thursday. I believe we’ll make some exciting breakthroughs together. Let me know if you’d like to review the deck beforehand.

Best,
Jordan

This works well in professional context when you want to express composed excitement without sounding over-the-top.

Counting Down the Days

This one is all about specific timeframes. It’s lively and informal, perfect for events with a set date.

Example (Text Message):

Only 5 days to go—I’m counting down the days until our road trip! Hope you’ve packed your playlist, Mia!

This phrase adds a sense of emotional anticipation, and works great in casual conversations or celebratory events.

Looking Forward to It

A classic. It’s neutral, friendly, and fits almost every context—from everyday speech to more polished messages.

Example (Email):

Hi Mr. Donovan,

I’m really looking forward to our meeting on Wednesday. I’ve prepared a few ideas that I hope you’ll find valuable.

Regards,
Clarissa

It offers an upbeat tone and can be used in both informal settings and professional exchanges.

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Can Hardly Wait

This one adds a stronger sense of urgency and excitement than simply saying “looking forward.”

Example (Group Chat):

I can hardly wait for the concert Friday night! Gonna be EPIC. Let’s meet at 6 at the venue entrance?

The phrase is a go-to when your overflowing enthusiasm just won’t stay hidden.

On Pins and Needles

This idiom usually conveys intense anticipation mixed with anxiety—often used when you’re awaiting results or big news.

Example (Slack Message):

I’m on pins and needles waiting to hear back from the publisher. Fingers crossed for good news!

A great fit when there’s a heightened sense of suspense or pressure—like waiting for exam results or a book launch.

Delighted

“Delighted” sounds warm, genuine, and polished. It fits perfectly for heartfelt occasions and messages where you’re expressing joyful expectation.

Example (Email):

Hi Michelle,

I’m absolutely delighted to be invited to your baby shower. Can’t wait to celebrate this beautiful milestone with you!

With love,
Serena

This phrase offers emotional depth while remaining tasteful and sincere.

More for you: 20 Other Ways to Say “I Will Try My Best”

So Excited

Simple, clear, and punchy. Great for both casual conversations and energetic announcements.

Example (Instagram Caption):

I’m so excited for my new job to start next week! Big things coming.

It gives off positive vibes and suits moments of personal celebration—like a new job or milestone.

Thrilled to Bits

This British-flavored phrase adds a dose of whimsy and joy. It’s cheerful and full of charm.

Example (WhatsApp Message):

I’m thrilled to bits that you’re flying in for the holidays! Let’s bake something together like old times.

A great way to show genuine excitement for holiday season plans or a reunion.

Can’t Hold My Excitement

This one captures unrestrained excitement. It’s bursting with emotion, best used when you just can’t stay cool about it.

Example (Facebook Post):

I can’t hold my excitement any longer—our wedding is in just two weeks!

Perfect for those big significant events where your energy is contagious.

Barely Contain My Excitement

A close cousin of the above, but with a slightly more controlled tone. Still full of vibrant expression.

Example (Twitter):

I can barely contain my excitement—the movie I’ve waited all year for drops tomorrow.

Works wonderfully when you’re awaiting a movie release or any highly anticipated event.

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Thrilled

Direct and clear, yet still impactful. Use it when you want to convey strong excitement without going overboard.

Example (Work Email):

Hi Team,

I’m thrilled to share that our project has been shortlisted for a regional award! I’ll provide more details in our next meeting.

Cheers,
Marco

In a professional context, this phrase strikes the right balance between enthusiasm and polish.

So Happy About

More casual and intimate. This one leans toward the sweeter side of positive anticipation phrases.

Example (Message to a Friend):

I’m so happy about your engagement! You two are perfect together. Can’t wait to celebrate!

Perfect for personal milestones and joyful life events.

Absolutely Buzzing

If you’re brimming with overflowing enthusiasm, this phrase adds a bit of playful energy. It’s popular in informal settings and among younger audiences.

Example (Text Message):

I’m absolutely buzzing about the music festival next weekend! Got my outfit, my tickets, and my energy ready!

It’s a great substitute in casual conversations where you want to capture the full rush of emotion before an event.

Ecstatic About It

“Ecstatic” amplifies the mood beyond simple joy — it’s about being intensely happy or excited, ideal for celebratory events.

Example (Email):

Dear Aunt Carla,

I’m ecstatic about spending the holidays with the family this year. It’s been way too long since we all shared the same dinner table.

Love,
Noah

This phrase conveys emotional anticipation with warmth and sincerity — perfect for heartfelt occasions like a holiday season reunion.

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Over the Moon

This popular British idiom adds whimsy and joy to any message. It’s perfect for sharing good news or excitement with flair.

Example (Instagram Caption):

I’m over the moon to announce I’ve accepted an offer for my dream role! New job starts Monday!

Use this in everyday speech when you’re thrilled by a major life event or a milestone worth celebrating.

Can Feel the Butterflies Already

This phrase mixes intense anticipation with a nervous flutter — perfect for moments when excitement and anxiety overlap.

Example (Text to a Friend):

I’m giving my first TEDx talk next week… and I can feel the butterflies already! Pray I don’t trip on stage.

Ideal when you’re approaching a significant event like a speech, competition, or live performance.

Looking Ahead With Joy

Elegant and expressive, this phrase works beautifully for formal occasions or when writing with a bit of grace and depth.

Example (Email to Wedding Planner):

Hi Jennifer,

I’m looking ahead with joy to the big day. You’ve been amazing throughout this whole planning process — thank you!

Warmly,
Lila

It’s an excellent fit for composed excitement, perfect in professional or ceremonial contexts.

Ready and Raring to Go

This energetic idiom suggests not only excitement but also preparedness. Great when you’re mentally and physically pumped for what’s coming.

Example (Slack Message):

The campaign launches in 30 minutes — we’re ready and raring to go! Let’s do this, team.

It’s a powerful way to convey both positive anticipation and a can-do attitude in work settings or event rollouts.

Amped Up For It

This is a more modern, high-energy phrase used in informal settings. If you’re excited and hyped, this is the way to show it.

Example (Discord Message):

I’m so amped up for tonight’s game night! Let’s crush that trivia round, folks!

It’s youthful and expressive — full of enthusiastic expression, ideal for social settings and events.

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Synonyms for “Can’t Wait”

Synonym / Alternative	Tone & Context	Example Use Case
Eagerly anticipating	Formal, heartfelt	Professional emails, heartfelt messages
Counting down the days	Casual, time-sensitive	Trips, events with set dates
Looking forward to it	Neutral, flexible	All-purpose (formal or informal)
Can hardly wait	High-energy, informal	Concerts, meetups, parties
On pins and needles	Nervous anticipation	Waiting for news, results
Delighted	Warm, polished	Baby showers, invites, announcements
So excited	Cheerful, everyday speech	Social media, friendly chats
Thrilled to bits	Whimsical, British	Reunions, holiday season gatherings
Can’t hold my excitement	Intense, overflowing enthusiasm	Weddings, big announcements
Barely contain my excitement	Controlled but intense	Movie releases, travel plans
Thrilled	Balanced, professional	Work updates, general celebrations
So happy about	Emotional, personal	Engagements, big news for friends or family
Absolutely buzzing	Youthful, informal	Festivals, parties, vacations
Ecstatic about it	Deep joy, versatile	Personal emails, emotional occasions
Over the moon	British, joyful	Achievements, job acceptance
Can feel the butterflies already	Anxious excitement	Speeches, weddings, first dates
Looking ahead with joy	Polished, elegant	Wedding planning, formal notes
Ready and raring to go	Energetic, confident	Launches, team projects, sports events
Amped up for it	Modern, casual	Game nights, concerts, outings
It’s all I can think about	All-consuming anticipation	Passion projects, book launches
Practically jumping out of my skin	Comical, exaggerated	Reunions, big personal milestones
Totally stoked	Coastal, informal	Vacation, casual excitement
Tingling with anticipation	Poetic, expressive	Retreats, date nights, personal getaways
I’ve been dreaming about this	Emotional, heartfelt	Lifelong goals, opening a business, big dreams

FAQs

What does “can’t wait” actually mean?

It expresses strong excitement or impatience for something that’s going to happen soon.

Are these “can’t wait” alternatives formal or informal?

They include both—some work for casual chats, others fit professional or formal writing.

Can I use these phrases in business emails?

Yes, expressions like eagerly anticipating or looking ahead with joy are perfect for a professional context.

Do these phrases work for social media captions?

Absolutely, especially ones like totally stoked or over the moon for an upbeat tone.

Which phrase shows nervousness with excitement?

On pins and needles or can feel the butterflies already reflect emotional anticipation with a nervous edge.

Conclusion

19 Other Ways to Say “Can’t Wait” gives you new ways to show how excited you are. These phrases help you share your feelings in a fun and personal way. Whether you’re counting down the days or feeling on pins and needles, now you have better ways to say it.

From emails to social posts, these positive anticipation phrases fit any situation. Use them to add color and emotion to your words. Don’t settle for plain—make your excitement sound real and relatable.