Definition of hyperventilatenext
as in to gasp
to breathe hard, quickly, or with difficulty he was so nervous he began hyperventilating, and the extra oxygen made him dizzy

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 hyperventilate As her tribe hugged her in victory, Erickson was crying and hyperventilating while former tribemate Joe Hunter was shown looking on in concern. Steve Helling, PEOPLE, 24 Sep. 2025 The hyperactive plotting runs on hyperventilating prose. Book Marks september 11, Literary Hub, 11 Sep. 2025 Some may also hyperventilate, which can lead to fainting as well. Dr. Sanjay Gupta, CNN Money, 26 Aug. 2025 Belly hyperventilates and runs to the bathroom to calm down with Taylor. Monica Mercuri, Forbes.com, 26 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for hyperventilate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hyperventilate
Verb
  • Agnes gasps for breath as her imagination plays out terrible scenarios that she’s never been given words for.
    Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 15 Apr. 2026
  • When Harari told the same story on The Daily Show, the audience gasped.
    Amanda Gefter, Quanta Magazine, 10 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • As soft as pajamas yet lovely enough to wear out on the town (or around the ship), the micro modal fabric of these Saint Haven pants drapes elegantly, resists wrinkles, and has a relaxed fit that works equally well at a harbor-side bar or a breezy dinner ashore.
    Amanda Eyre Ward, Travel + Leisure, 13 Apr. 2026
  • Dogs also pant to regulate their body temperature.
    Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 16 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Hyperventilate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hyperventilate. Accessed 22 Apr. 2026.

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