GASP Synonyms: 57 Similar and Opposite Words

gasp 1 of 2

verb

ˈgasp

Definition of gasp

as in to pant

to breathe hard, quickly, or with difficulty the runner was audibly gasping by the end of the marathon

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

gasp

2 of 2

noun

as in sigh

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

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 gasp

Verb

The extraordinary fireworks barrage is also expected to produce an inordinate amount of smoke, so a low layer of clouds and lack of breeze could leave attendees gasping from the show—but not in the way intended. — Shane Harris, The Atlantic, 3 July 2026 By the time many of these rising talents were accruing debt in graduate writing programs, the dream of a sustainable career in the nonprofit theater had already gasped its last breath. — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2026

Noun

Coming after the equally questionable previous entry, however, this feels like a last gasp. — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 10 July 2026 All the most gasp-inspiring moments of visual awe — such as Moana soaring across the sea as a manta ray spirit swims underneath her — are just a little stronger, a little bolder and brighter, in their original art form. — Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 8 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for gasp

Recent Examples of Synonyms for gasp

Verb

Like Fritz said, Tiafoe snatched his NBA-style pants off in one motion.

— Merlisa Lawrence Corbett, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026
When panting alone cannot shed enough heat, dogs fall back on shade.

— Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 2 July 2026

Definition of pant

Verb

Indeed, unlike vehicle drivers, in addition to forward, backwards, left or right, boat captains must consider heave, pitch, roll and yaw, while constantly adjusting for wind, waves and current, explained Foulkes.

— Ed Garsten, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
But the resolution would also have to be agreed on by the Senate, and Republican senators have largely panned the House effort, waiting to see if Johnson can heave it to passage.

— Lisa Mascaro, Chicago Tribune, 16 July 2026

Definition of heave

Noun

But even within the movie’s powerful melodrama sits a secondary tale of fascistic process, one that speaks truth to power through implication and whisper.

— Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 20 July 2026
We're used to seeing the Galaxy Z Fold in a tall-and-skinny chassis, but this time around, whispers are growing louder about a new passport-style shape that's more reminiscent of the first-generation Google Pixel Fold.

— Kimberly Gedeon, PC Magazine, 17 July 2026

Definition of whisper

Verb

Advertisement Not every variety-show booking delighted every viewer (just ask the stiffs who hyperventilated when Elvis wiggled his hips on Sullivan’s stage), but there was enough, most nights, to captivate tens of millions of them.

— Judy Berman, Time, 22 May 2026
And yes, Gundlach is rightfully hyperventilating about these offenders, but there are some perfectly good payout babies in this bathwater.

— Brett Owens, Forbes.com, 14 May 2026

Definition of hyperventilate

Noun

Even in hardboiled Hadestown, that would probably get a murmur of assent.

— Chris Willman, Variety, 25 July 2026
For weeks, there have been murmurs in DC about a coming White House move to address the inevitability of powerful, open-source Chinese AI models being used by people and businesses across the globe.

— Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 15 July 2026

Definition of murmur

Noun

Up in the stands, fans waved their own flags — including some sneaked in over the objections of FIFA and the courts — and wrestled with emotions, as boos, howls and hisses rained down from all corners of the stadium.

— Rick Maese, Washington Post, 16 June 2026
Spray paint hisses and music envelops Amsterdam Avenue as Knicks colors cover the sidewalk.

— Alaa Elassar, CNN Money, 13 June 2026

Definition of hiss

Browse Nearby Words

gasoliers

gasp

gasped

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Gasp.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gasp. Accessed 28 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of gasp

verb

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on gasp

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

kludge

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

Every Letter Is Silent, Sometimes: A-Z List of Examples

Popular in Wordplay

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

The Longest Long Words List

Ten Words Ending with a Silent ‘T’

The Words of the Week - Jul 24

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

Popular

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

The Longest Long Words List

Games & Quizzes