breathless

adjective

ˈbreth-ləs How to pronounce breathless (audio)
Definition of breathlessnext
1
as in close
lacking fresh air the room was hot and breathless

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in rapid
moving, proceeding, or acting with great speed ran at a breathless pace to get help

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in fallen
no longer living carried the breathless body of his beloved dog back home

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 breathless With breathless hype and repeat viewings galore, the superhero sequel will cross $2 billion worldwide at a near-record pace. — Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 12 Aug. 2026 The story has all the makings of a viral documentary replete with breathless details, similar to the ones McDonnell’s company produced. — Cheyenne Roundtree, Rolling Stone, 11 Aug. 2026 What results is a breathless biography of one man’s quest for scientific enlightenment in the age of AI. — Monitor Reviewers, Christian Science Monitor, 10 Aug. 2026 One of the best things about this episode’s edit is the sharp contrast between the players’ breathless race up and down the line of rooms and shots of the more relaxed atmosphere in any room that isn’t actively in use. — Tasha Robinson, Vulture, 14 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for breathless
Recent Examples of Synonyms for breathless
  1. close
  2. rapid
  3. fallen
  4. suffocating
  5. brisk
  6. dead
  7. stifling
  8. quick
Adjective
  • The technology, used in all Metro Nashville Public Schools, didn’t spot the weapon because the shooter wasn’t close enough to cameras for the system to get an accurate read and activate the alarm, the district said.
    — Cindy Von Quednow, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2026
  • June 21 – July 22 A plan with someone close may need to fit what serves you close to home.
    — Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of close
Adjective
  • Fire officials said the combination of dry brush and strong winds fueled the blaze's rapid growth.
    — Christopher Cann, USA Today, 25 Aug. 2026
  • The quarterback struggles in camp bring into the realm of possibility Dolphins general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan seeking an outside backup option off the waiver wire following roster cuts if Ewers doesn’t show rapid improvement.
    — David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of rapid
Adjective
  • In the eight-episode Robocop series, written by Ocko, a giant tech conglomerate pursuades the city to place a powerful robot on its police force – a robot implanted with the consciousness of a beloved fallen officer, Alex Murphy (Stevens).
    — Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Israel erected a monument to the fallen Altalena militants in 2008 on the Tel Aviv seafront and has been searching for the wreckage for years, with crews often working in secrecy.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of fallen
Adjective
  • The Valkyries won their third straight game, defeating the Sparks 78-58 behind a suffocating defensive performance.
    — Nathan Canilao, Mercury News, 16 June 2026
  • The Fleet played a suffocating style of hockey, with a strong forecheck and the ability to wear down opponents with relentless offensive-zone pressure.
    — Hailey Salvian, New York Times, 16 June 2026
Definition of suffocating
Adjective
  • Set physical activity goals and prioritize exercise, including both aerobic activities such as brisk walking, cycling or swimming, along with strength training.
    — Faye Chiu, CNN Money, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Fredericson recommends simple, everyday activities such as brisk neighborhood walks, gardening, cycling, bodyweight exercises and even parking farther from the entrance at the grocery store.
    — Daryl Austin, USA Today, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of brisk
Adjective
  • Current policy allows airport facilities to be named only for people who have been dead at least two years and who made significant contributions to the airport authority or aviation in Middle Tennessee.
    — Hadley Hitson, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026
  • To that end, Chris Diamantopoulos looks like an inspired bit of casting as Mitch McNamara, a government agent who swoops in to examine eight dead Jasons and a ninth the police are holding in an interrogation room.
    — Scott Tobias, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of dead
Adjective
  • For all the deserved talk about the Knicks’ dynamic offense, the defense has been far more stifling than their reputation suggests.
    — Fred Katz, New York Times, 15 May 2026
  • Her mother, who had a staid upbringing in California, came to New York in the early sixties looking for someplace more diverse and less stifling.
    — Molly Fischer, New Yorker, 2 Apr. 2026
Definition of stifling
Adjective
  • Can the Bearcats move the ball against the experienced, quick defensive backfield of North Crowley?
    — Darren Lauber, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Aug. 2026
  • There’s a glint of Miss Piggy’s quick wit in the comedic edge and blonde ambitions of Jennifer Coolidge.
    — Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of quick

Browse Nearby Words

breathing (out)
breathless
breaths
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Breathless.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/breathless. Accessed 29 Aug. 2026.

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