as in panting
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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of gasping
Sometimes poetry leaves the cinema behind, gasping for breath.
—
David Denby,
New Yorker,
21 June 2026
The late-night order halts what would have been the nation’s ninth nitrogen execution, a rare reprieve in a state where recent nitrogen deaths involved shaking, gasping and prolonged suffering.
—
Kim Chandler,
Los Angeles Times,
12 June 2026
Stewart dropped to one knee under an archway of beautiful purple and pink blooms and Karam could be seen gasping in delight when she was presented with an engagement ring, as seen in the snaps.
—
Clare Fisher,
PEOPLE,
9 June 2026
Some specific signs to look for include loud snoring, gasping for air during sleep, or falling asleep while driving or at random times during the day, Brangman added.
—
Allison Forsyth,
Health,
9 June 2026
Years ago, Juan noticed that a regular customer, Chicago Tribune journalist Steve Neal, was turning red and gasping.
—
David Hammond,
Chicago Tribune,
8 June 2026
The tail end of the aforementioned second act does address some of the novel’s darkness with an abrupt tonal shift that left Tuesday’s audience gasping in horror, rather than glee.
—
Ross Raihala,
Twin Cities,
3 June 2026
Running back Rhamondre Stevenson, who caught a fourth quarter touchdown from Drake Maye in the Super Bowl, suffered an injury scare during the softball game hosted by Maye when comedian Matt Rife rolled up on Stevenson's leg during a rundown that had Patriots fans gasping for air.
—
Joe Kinsey Outkick,
FOXNews.com,
1 June 2026
In reality, Rue takes the drugs that Alamo gave her and dies on Ali's couch, her final moments spent gasping for air and reaching out for her mom.
—
Kelly Lawler,
USA Today,
1 June 2026
David Denby,
New Yorker,
21 June 2026
The late-night order halts what would have been the nation’s ninth nitrogen execution, a rare reprieve in a state where recent nitrogen deaths involved shaking, gasping and prolonged suffering.
—
Kim Chandler,
Los Angeles Times,
12 June 2026
Stewart dropped to one knee under an archway of beautiful purple and pink blooms and Karam could be seen gasping in delight when she was presented with an engagement ring, as seen in the snaps.
—
Clare Fisher,
PEOPLE,
9 June 2026
Some specific signs to look for include loud snoring, gasping for air during sleep, or falling asleep while driving or at random times during the day, Brangman added.
—
Allison Forsyth,
Health,
9 June 2026
Years ago, Juan noticed that a regular customer, Chicago Tribune journalist Steve Neal, was turning red and gasping.
—
David Hammond,
Chicago Tribune,
8 June 2026
The tail end of the aforementioned second act does address some of the novel’s darkness with an abrupt tonal shift that left Tuesday’s audience gasping in horror, rather than glee.
—
Ross Raihala,
Twin Cities,
3 June 2026
Running back Rhamondre Stevenson, who caught a fourth quarter touchdown from Drake Maye in the Super Bowl, suffered an injury scare during the softball game hosted by Maye when comedian Matt Rife rolled up on Stevenson's leg during a rundown that had Patriots fans gasping for air.
—
Joe Kinsey Outkick,
FOXNews.com,
1 June 2026
In reality, Rue takes the drugs that Alamo gave her and dies on Ali's couch, her final moments spent gasping for air and reaching out for her mom.
—
Kelly Lawler,
USA Today,
1 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gasping
panting
Verb
-
Dogs primarily regulate heat through panting and small sweat glands in their paw pads, according to the American Kennel Club.
-
Signs include panting, a hoarse bark, scuffing or dragging their toes along the ground, and sometimes regurgitation or swallowing problems.
Cite this Entry
“Gasping.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gasping. Accessed 27 Jun. 2026.
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