as in interesting
holding the attention or provoking interest
I found the exhibit on the Holocaust intensely gripping and quite moving
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in clenching
to have or keep in one's hands
gripped the handlebars tightly and raced down the hill
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in fascinating
to hold the attention of as if by a spell
that true crime story gripped me as much as any whodunit
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in intriguing
to hold the attention of
that movie will grip any true sports car fan
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in grasping
to reach for and take hold of by embracing with the fingers or arms
the baby gripped my fingers and wouldn't let go
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 gripping
Christopher Rudolph, People.com, 1 Apr. 2025
The question the film ultimately asks is whether a third way is at all possible, leading to a gripping final combat that’s much less a knockout than a bitter victory.
—Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 17 May 2025
The bottom side of the mat has a gripping texture that keeps the mat in place, but this side is not as friendly to your skin.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 8 May 2025
Netflix is known for its gripping true crime content, and the streamer’s next documentary will leave viewers’ heads spinning.
—Monica Mercuri, Forbes.com, 6 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for gripping
Adjective
Not only for its gripping and heartbreaking story but also for its outstanding acting and production — especially because each episode was shot as one continuous take.
—Christopher Rudolph, People.com, 1 Apr. 2025
The question the film ultimately asks is whether a third way is at all possible, leading to a gripping final combat that’s much less a knockout than a bitter victory.
—Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 17 May 2025
The bottom side of the mat has a gripping texture that keeps the mat in place, but this side is not as friendly to your skin.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 8 May 2025
Netflix is known for its gripping true crime content, and the streamer’s next documentary will leave viewers’ heads spinning.
—Monica Mercuri, Forbes.com, 6 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for gripping
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gripping
Adjective
-
One thing that might be interesting is the one with the ping pong paddle, Issue 6, because the black logo didn’t work over it.—
Kei Lim
June 9,
Literary Hub,
9 June 2025
-
And a bigger body has a narrative of getting to that size, so that narrative in itself was quite interesting.—
Rebecca Mead,
New Yorker,
9 June 2025
Adjective
-
McCoist is his usual wide-eyed, engaging, cheery and very listenable self, eulogising over PSG’s masterclass.—
Pablo Maurer,
New York Times,
1 June 2025
-
On June 5, the IndieWire Honors Spring 2025 ceremony will celebrate the creators and stars responsible for some of the most impressive and engaging work of this TV season.—
Alison Foreman,
IndieWire,
30 May 2025
Verb
-
Again, this man has been holding onto so much, and things have just been compacted for him.—
Katcy Stephan,
Variety,
22 Mar. 2025
-
This tiny spot has everything needed for relaxation—a pair of Adirondack chairs to lean back and reflect on the day and a tiny table for holding drinks and snacks.—
Libby Monteith Minor,
Southern Living,
22 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
This could be an intriguing buy-low opportunity for a player with star, first-line upside.—
Harman Dayal,
New York Times,
30 May 2025
-
The economic marginalization of nuclear power is an intriguing case in point.—
Saleem H. Ali,
Forbes.com,
30 May 2025
Verb
-
The White Sox, though, had other ideas, grabbing Smith with the first pick of the draft for $100,000.—
Ken Rosenthal,
New York Times,
11 Apr. 2025
-
The Ravens believe in drafting corners every year, and the first-round selection of Nate Wiggins in 2024 won’t prevent them from grabbing another cornerback early.—
Jeff Zrebiec,
New York Times,
11 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Elsewhere in the interview, the Australian actress revealed that the movie — in which Kidman plays a woman having an affair with a younger man — was thrilling for her.—
Dan Perry,
Newsweek,
3 Jan. 2025
-
With such fine margins at play, a thrilling title race is effectively guaranteed.—
Neel Shelat,
Forbes,
1 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
In between exploring Galicia’s storied cities, visitors should be sure to spend some time immersing themselves in the wilderness, with vast swathes of verdant forest to explore.—
Jared Ranahan,
Forbes.com,
13 Apr. 2025
-
For example, the Kross Studio's Bat-Signal lamp illuminates, further immersing the collector into the universe of Gotham City and also conceals a dedicated space on his backside to safely store The Batman tourbillon or any other watch.—
Stéphane JG Girod,
Forbes.com,
9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Now in its ninth year, the London Concours has established itself as one of the collector-car scene’s most interesting and accessible automotive exhibitions, with one of the most fascinating venues.—
Ben Oliver,
Robb Report,
4 June 2025
-
On the latter account, Sandy Agustin has created some fascinating transitional interludes that blend volleyball movements with elements of religious ritual.—
Rob Hubbard,
Twin Cities,
2 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Gripping.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gripping. Accessed 13 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share