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

The defense struggled a bit in the first half with the reserves on the field even after producing a second-quarter interception, and the offense also gasped and wheezed with the reserves on the field. — Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 15 Aug. 2026 Police say Coffer was pulled to safety by his boat partner, who told police Simpson fled the scene and the boy was gasping for air. — ABC News, 7 Aug. 2026

Noun

This slip skirt is crafted in lustrous mulberry silk that’s — gasp! — Jamie Allison Sanders, PEOPLE, 29 Aug. 2026 When Anne brings down her slate, full force, on Gilbert Blythe’s head, the students in the schoolhouse gasp. — Literary Hub, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for gasp

Recent Examples of Synonyms for gasp

Verb

The Row Frima pants $3,150 Track Star The track jacket is my fall answer to fashion’s (and my personal) ongoing love affair with sport—styled with a touch of Saint Laurent and Celine polish for everyday or taken full pro athlete à la Balenciaga.

— Minty Mellon, Vogue, 24 Aug. 2026
The delivery person added that none of the canines appeared to have access to food or sufficient water, and that all the animals were panting.

— Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of pant

Noun

That blast wasn’t as important in this win, but as October approaches, sigh-of-relief homers don’t get much bigger.

— Levi Weaver, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026
Once the good news was delivered in the Huskies’ locker room last week, there was a collective sigh of relief from the group knowing that their teammate was wronged and it was made right.

— Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 7 Sep. 2026

Definition of sigh

Verb

One snap later, Allen heaved an end-zone strike to Moore, who almost caught the ball despite cornerback Kamari Lassiter’s interference.

— Tim Graham, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026
With nine seconds to play, Underwood dropped back to pass, scrambled and heaved a last-ditch pass that sailed out of bounds.

— Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 8 Sep. 2026

Definition of heave

Noun

At a time when so much contemporary art jockeys to be spectacular, Op de Beeck’s whispers, both commanding and requiring your attention.

— Miles Socha, Footwear News, 11 Sep. 2026
In a fitting homage, the whiskey's whisper of a smoky, campfire-like finish sets it apart among Kentucky's expansive bourbon scene.

— Maggie Menderski, Louisville Courier Journal, 8 Sep. 2026

Definition of whisper

Verb

Her husband began hyperventilating beside her and was given a paper bag.

— Emily Cegielski, Flow Space, 24 Aug. 2026
News that Nikki Finke had left behind a memoir — and that her estate was seeking a publisher — had half of Hollywood hyperventilating into their Erewhon shopping bags last week.

— Benjamin Svetkey, HollywoodReporter, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of hyperventilate

Noun

So even as the national debt recently passed the $40 trillion landmark, there was barely a murmur coming from the party of fiscal responsibility.

— David Goldman, CNN Money, 3 Sep. 2026
In these murmurs, Ullom wonders how much modern technology has led us astray.

— Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of murmur

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 18 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of gasp

verb

noun

Example Sentences

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