gape 1 of 4

gape

2 of 4

verb (1)

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

gaping

3 of 4

verb (2)

present participle of gape

gaping

4 of 4

adjective

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
Noun
And that is just a gaping fundamental hole with the entire structure. David Pogue, CBS News, 30 June 2024 While fentanyl can easily cause a deadly overdose, the addition of xylazine further slows breathing and can result in painful, gaping and disfiguring wounds on the user's body. Erika Edwards, NBC News, 11 July 2023
Verb
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
Deion Sanders and the Colorado Buffaloes were lucky enough to have a generational talent in their employ over the last couple of seasons, but now, Travis Hunter has departed for the NFL, leaving a gaping hole for Colorado on both sides of the ball. Matthew Schmidt, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Aug. 2025 New from the ground up, with hybrid power and the promise of serious off-road capability, the 2026 Cherokee midsize SUV patches a gaping hole in the brand’s lineup. Mark Phelan, Freep.com, 22 Aug. 2025
Adjective
Deion Sanders and the Colorado Buffaloes were lucky enough to have a generational talent in their employ over the last couple of seasons, but now, Travis Hunter has departed for the NFL, leaving a gaping hole for Colorado on both sides of the ball. Matthew Schmidt, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Aug. 2025 New from the ground up, with hybrid power and the promise of serious off-road capability, the 2026 Cherokee midsize SUV patches a gaping hole in the brand’s lineup. Mark Phelan, Freep.com, 22 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for gaping
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gaping
Noun
  • Coel, the boundary-pushing revelation from I May Destroy You, is a perfect foil, hiding Lori’s feelings behind her deadpan delivery, unblinking sphinx-like stare and wary body language but poised to shoot barbs when the moment calls for them.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 9 Sep. 2025
  • His sleepless stare has amused viewers, many of whom said the dog's face perfectly captured the feeling of trying to enjoy a holiday under less-than-ideal conditions.
    Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Beyond this, the risks to personal and business privacy posed by the unpredictable way chatbots store and handle our data are challenges that wider society will need to address.
    Bernard Marr, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
  • Chicblooms Wide-Calf Slouchy Suede Block-Heel Boots Available in 10 colors, these suede boots come in sizes 6–11 with extra wide calves for a comfortable fit.
    Emily Weaver, People.com, 14 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • But the truth is, this gentle giant is hoping his gaze will be the thing that finally catches the right family's attention.
    Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Sep. 2025
  • Where And When To Look Step outside after sunset on any clear night this September and turn your gaze toward the north-northwest horizon.
    Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • 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
  • In Palm Beach County, Ian's yawning reach spun up four tornadoes.
    Jennifer Borresen, USA Today, 10 Jan. 2023
Noun
  • Even news that broke yesterday stateside — while unrelated to the central bank and interest rates — were focused on casting an eye to the future rather than immediate developments.
    Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 17 Sep. 2025
  • Keep an eye on October 19 as a possible date for that switch.
    Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • And in the height of summer, with an extra air conditioner pumping in the corner, the heat from the semi-exposed kitchen can make the dining room feel slightly steamy.
    Rachel Bernhard, jsonline.com, 29 Aug. 2025
  • There’s a good amount of pedaling and a few exposed, high-stakes areas.
    Shauna Farnell, Denver Post, 15 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Gaping.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gaping. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.

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