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

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gasp

2 of 2

noun

as in sigh

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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

Abrams does yeoman’s work with a character stuck in a tight spot for most of the running time, constantly grunting and gasping with a mixture of anguish and exhaustion as his body gets progressively more beat up and broken. — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 14 Oct. 2026 At the premiere, the audience audibly gasped and cheered, even though Austen’s story is well known to many. — Emily Zemler, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026

Noun

There's a tricky tonal balance in treating the lawyers' gasp-inducing ruthlessness as entertaining and even amusing while also allowing its consequences to be clear. — Linda Holmes, NPR, 3 Oct. 2026 The gasp-inducing scale and intricate stonework of Borobudur have attracted numerous global figures over the years. — Lilit Marcus, CNN Money, 1 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for gasp

Recent Examples of Synonyms for gasp

Verb

As Europe panted through rolling heatwaves this summer, I became drawn in by The Perfect Prescription anew.

— Gabriel Szatan, Pitchfork, 18 Oct. 2026
Like some of the music, the album artwork also pays homage to the animal world and our interconnectedness—the abstract piece offers a single line drawing that weaves in outlines of a panting dog, screeching cat, stoic bunny, and wise owl.

— Selena Fragassi, SPIN, 28 Sep. 2026

Definition of pant

Noun

There are whispers of a speakeasy opening downstairs in the coming months, which gives the restaurant extra potential to become a go-to dinner spot that seamlessly transitions into a night out.

— Ali Domrongchai, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Nov. 2026
There’s an initial burst of salt and crunch, then a rolling thunder of jerk spice, spiked with the vibrant, herbal freshness of Caribbean green seasoning and a whisper of cinnamon and nutmeg.

— Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of whisper

Noun

The same can’t be said of a busy indoor environment, where some of the loud background comes through as a murmur and the mics struggle to capture my voice intelligibly.

— Mark Knapp, PC Magazine, 5 Nov. 2026
Following murmurs of a cameo, director James Watkins confirmed that Aaron Paul makes a brief appearance in the DCU movie as Matt’s (Harries) father, who raised him in the slums of Gotham City.

— Glenn Garner, Deadline, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of murmur

Noun

The two sides fired white, smoky volleys, their guns making a black-powder hiss-bang.

— Ian Frazier, New Yorker, 2 Nov. 2026
There is just the slow hiss and sigh of the machines, tucked safely out of sight, as social media filled with resistance to mask mandates, to empathy and authority, to the power of the state, and the chorus of anti-vaxxers grew.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of hiss

Browse Nearby Words

gasoliers

gasp

gasped

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Style

“Gasp.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gasp. Accessed 8 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of gasp

verb

noun

Example Sentences

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