gasp 1 of 2

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

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gasp

2 of 2

noun

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
Then players from both sidelines began rushing to the field for a lot of pushing and shoving and even (gasp) tackling when there wasn’t supposed to be any of that for these sessions. Terence Moore, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025 Vogue cover star Emma Stone’s instalment of Life in Looks begins with a gasp—shock, horror! Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 14 Aug. 2025
Noun
Floating somewhere between lucid dreams and nightmares, Desde el Coma feels like waking up gasping for air — a kaleidoscope of bruises, chaos, and resurrection. Natalia Cano, Billboard, 22 Aug. 2025 Howard’s best comedies have a light, almost effortless touch, but this one is panting and gasping essentially from the opening frames. Will Leitch, Vulture, 22 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for gasp
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gasp
Verb
  • Howard’s best comedies have a light, almost effortless touch, but this one is panting and gasping essentially from the opening frames.
    Will Leitch, Vulture, 22 Aug. 2025
  • Grapent Wide-Leg Pants with Waist Ties A ruffled paperbag waist with drawstring ties makes these wide-leg khaki pants extra comfortable.
    Jamie Allison Sanders, People.com, 21 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • The Grammy-winning artist, who testified over two days in the trial last week, reacted with a sigh of relief to the verdict.
    Elizabeth Wagmeister, CNN Money, 2 Sep. 2025
  • Whatever, it was greeted with a collective sigh of relief.
    Kirk Kenney, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Just seven seconds into the second quarter, Beck heaved the first touchdown pass of his Miami career to freshman slot receiver Malachi Toney, a product of Plantation American Heritage and UM’s top receiver Sunday with six catches for 82 yards and the score.
    Susan Miller Degnan, Miami Herald, 1 Sep. 2025
  • Since 2023, the actor has regularly been photographed at the Studio City Farmers Market, arms—and Bode tote—heaving with tulips, pincushions, sunflowers, and sea lavender.
    Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 25 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Davis remembers hearing the whispers of concern.
    Suzette Hackney, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Well, the test screening whisper network has said glowing things about it so far.
    Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 5 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Some may also hyperventilate, which can lead to fainting as well.
    Dr. Sanjay Gupta, CNN Money, 26 Aug. 2025
  • Belly hyperventilates and runs to the bathroom to calm down with Taylor.
    Monica Mercuri, Forbes.com, 26 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Mindy does have a heart murmur that will need to be kept an eye on with her future vet but that does not slow her down.
    Arizona Republic, AZCentral.com, 5 Sep. 2025
  • There were murmurs in the organization about whether the pain in his knee was not the result of injury, but rather disinterest.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 5 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Shot against the stunning backdrops of New Zealand, the campaign shows how even the smallest moments of a morning ritual — from the hiss of steam to the first swirl of crema — can embody calm and indulgence.
    Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 8 Sep. 2025
  • The Bose and the Sony earbuds introduce a layer of hiss to the audio, which detracts from how natural their transparency modes sound.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 4 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • High in the hills near the Myanmar border, Ban Rak Thai greets the morning with the smell of oolong and the soft rustle of tea leaves.
    Lewis Nunn, Forbes.com, 24 Aug. 2025
  • As Denver’s locker room echoes with the empty rustles of equipment staffers, Jahdae Barron lingers.
    Luca Evans, Denver Post, 22 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Gasp.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gasp. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.

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