Definition of palpitatenext
as in to throb
to expand and contract in a rhythmic manner the man's heart began to palpitate, and he feared another attack was coming on

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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 palpitate The Broad palpitated with energy. Mark Swed, Los Angeles Times, 9 Feb. 2025 The finale had the impossible task of putting the monstrous show to an unquiet grave, and while some storylines seemed rushed and others completely ignored, even everyone’s least favorite season of GOT is heart palpitating. Taylor Antrim, Vogue, 31 Jan. 2025 Representing heart-palpitating romance is the main storyline: the passion of Megha’s son Naveen (Carol Mazhuvancheril) for his boyfriend, Keshav (Noah Israel), a fellow Hindu who happens to be Caucasian. Celia Wren, Washington Post, 14 Mar. 2023 The matte, phosphorescent sigils painted onto his robe appeared to palpitate in the low light. Kent Russell, Harper’s Magazine , 25 May 2022 In one of the raciest vignettes, a man buys and eats fresh dumplings on a train, intermittently palpitating his sore gums with his fingers. Sophie Pinkham, The New York Review of Books, 8 May 2020 Angelica Hernández's heart hasn't stopped palpitating for a week. Author: Arelis R. Hernández, Cristina Corujo, Anchorage Daily News, 12 Jan. 2020 The past three seasons, their games were marked by palpitating comebacks. New York Times, 23 Nov. 2019
Recent Examples of Synonyms for palpitate
Verb
  • The book club regularly meets to discuss romance novels in all their sticky, sweaty, throbbing passions.
    Maddie Connors, Los Angeles Times, 12 Jan. 2026
  • Pain that is not a word throbs in his shoulders, awakens him each morning.
    Rosa Lyster, Harpers Magazine, 6 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Two teenage girls are charged with kidnapping a teenage boy after allegedly luring him into a basement and beating him for three hours in early November.
    Kyle Werner, Des Moines Register, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Josh Doan scored, Colten Ellis made 30 saves in his first game in a month and the Buffalo Sabres beat the New York Rangers 5-2 on Thursday night to give them 12 victories in their past 13 games.
    CBS News, CBS News, 9 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • From vibrating steering wheels, haptic smartwatches, and even gaming controllers.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 4 Jan. 2026
  • The vibrating bristles of this electric version can break up and sweep away plaque more effectively.
    Nicol Natale, PEOPLE, 28 Dec. 2025
Verb
  • These sports events temporarily reshape their surroundings as hotels swell, public spaces pulse with energy, and local traditions move to the forefront.
    Jessica Chapel, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Jan. 2026
  • Its ’70s heyday was long gone, but the legend of that bacchanal still pulsed through the venue’s walls.
    Serena Turner, Vanity Fair, 29 Dec. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Palpitate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/palpitate. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on palpitate

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!