gape 1 of 2

Definition of gapenext

gape

2 of 2

verb

as in to stare
to look long and hard in wonder or surprise she suddenly realized she had been gaping at the good-looking waiter instead of giving him her order

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 gape
Noun
Many bird species young have this gape so the parents can more easily direct food into their mouths. Sheryl De Vore, Chicago Tribune, 28 May 2025 For instance, that toothy gape up front is corralled by a goatee of nearly 200 digital light whiskers. New Atlas, 24 Apr. 2025
Verb
Whether that be the trade market or trading up for Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles in the draft, there will need to be a big move made to lock up that gaping hole. Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 Mar. 2026 Peninsula Lively Arts and its subsidiary Peninsula Ballet Theatre are closing after six decades teaching and performing dance in San Mateo County, leaving a gaping hole in the local dance scene. Theater Critic, San Francisco Chronicle, 13 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for gape
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gape
Noun
  • Rarely have an actor's eyes been put to such good use, as Murphy's thousand-yard stare communicates guilt, regret, and anxious anticipation of how his life's work will impact the world for generations to come.
    Devan Coggan, Entertainment Weekly, 15 Mar. 2026
  • Musgraves and Hannah Lux Davis co-directed the song’s cheeky video, which is set in a grocery store and is ripe with fruit-touching and wistful stares.
    Travis Pinson, Dallas Morning News, 11 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The batting cages, as both workplace and fan engagement tool, are located near that front entrance to the stadium and, with a door that rolls up much like your garage door might, are open for fans to gawk while players are getting their pre-game work in.
    Jim Alexander, Oc Register, 16 Mar. 2026
  • What to see today Walk or drive to gawk at the 20th-century gems like the Miller House and Garden, which blends history, nature and modern aesthetics.
    Domenica Bongiovanni, IndyStar, 6 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Yet, even with this outward gaze, Omoto maintains its commitment to traditional craftsmanship.
    Jessica Binns, Sourcing Journal, 18 Mar. 2026
  • Grossman succeeds in interrogating the very gaze his film is built upon, yet never fully escapes it, leaving the documentary caught between critique and complicity.
    Murtada Elfadl, Variety, 18 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • By then the oil companies, mindful of the world’s disapproving eyes, had positioned the gas flares among the vegetation and pointed the flames horizontally to limit their visibility from a distance.
    Noo Saro-Wiwa, The Dial, 24 Mar. 2026
  • Work’s eyes, like most of his peers’, are now on China.
    Ben Smith, semafor.com, 23 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Gape.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gape. Accessed 25 Mar. 2026.

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