gaping 1 of 2

Definition of gapingnext

gaping

2 of 2

verb

present participle of gape

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 gaping
Adjective
If the absence of Succession has left a dark and gaping hole in your heart, formerly filled by the epic, desperate machinations of the one-percent: tune in. Vogue, 19 July 2024 And that is just a gaping fundamental hole with the entire structure. David Pogue, CBS News, 30 June 2024
Verb
Now that Israel and the US have called them to account, the gaping holes in their strategy have left the Gulf exposed. Hadley Gamble, semafor.com, 19 Mar. 2026 With their gaping open mouths, the Free Eden mannequins have scary-clown energy. Jada Yuan, Vulture, 19 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for gaping
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gaping
Adjective
  • Accessibility In accordance with Japan’s progressive rules for handicap accessibility, all floors are accessible with wide elevator access, lower level buttons reachable from wheelchairs, and wheelchair accessible bathrooms on the restaurant level.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Apr. 2026
  • The wide variety of allegations that have been levied against Mills have yet to result in criminal charges, and may never be handled by prosecutors.
    Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 2 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Who could forget a picture, which graced the cover of Artforum more than a decade ago, of an uncannily adult baby staring sagaciously into the lens, its hand placed gingerly over its heart in a gesture that looks like reverence?
    Chris Wiley, New Yorker, 28 Mar. 2026
  • Police said security footage from the store shows customers staring and retreating before 53-year-old Tammy Canut of North Huntingdon walks into the frame naked.
    Meghan Schiller, CBS News, 27 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • As such, anticipated spending cuts have not materialized and British Chancellor Rachel Reeves is expected to announced tax hikes in her next Autumn Budget to fill a yawning fiscal hole that could be as much as £50 billion ($67.2 billion), although estimates vary.
    Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 30 Sep. 2025
  • Yet the shooting also divided the American public in ways that many found disturbing, including a yawning lack of empathy for the victim and even cheering for the shooter.
    Patrik Jonsson, The Christian Science Monitor, 10 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • On a typical day, the Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center in Scottsdale reverberates with animal cries and the footfalls of gawking visitors.
    Shi En Kim, AZCentral.com, 20 Feb. 2026
  • Armed soldiers patrolled in droves, spreading hate and fear everywhere, blindfolding children, pointing guns, gawking, spitting, laughing at us like animals in the zoo.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 20 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Plus, by leaving the foot more exposed, sandals help elongate the leg, which is particularly useful when wearing capri-length pants.
    René Chávez Esparza, Glamour, 22 Mar. 2026
  • The objective is to reduce exposed equity within the entity in a lawful and structured manner.
    Ascend Agency, New York Daily News, 11 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Frenza whispers to herself, gazing at her reflection in the mirror with the bottle in her hand, raising a toast to her own intelligence and ironic wit, which are, in her opinion, her most powerful protections against the world.
    Agnieszka Szpila, Harpers Magazine, 24 Mar. 2026
  • The springs are the perfect location for a picnic and an afternoon spent lounging and swimming in the pool of clear, clean spring water and gazing at the small waterfall.
    Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 12 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Gaping.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gaping. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.

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