gripping 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of grippingnext
as in interesting
holding the attention or provoking interest I found the exhibit on the Holocaust intensely gripping and quite moving

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

gripping

2 of 2

verb

present participle of grip
1
as in clenching
to have or keep in one's hands gripped the handlebars tightly and raced down the hill

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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

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3
as in intriguing
to hold the attention of that movie will grip any true sports car fan

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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

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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
Adjective
Bestselling author Colm Tóibín delivers a characteristically brilliant and gripping retelling of Clytemnestra and her children, a high drama made even richer thanks to his lush and immersive prose. — Janey Wetzel, PEOPLE, 21 July 2026 Finnish artist Kaija Saariaho, who died in 2023, made some gripping music. — Steve Hochman, SPIN, 15 July 2026
Verb
The bad blood just increases from there and gets exceedingly personal as each magician tries to outdo the other in an electrifying, gripping duel that tears apart both their lives. — Brian Truitt, USA Today, 17 July 2026 Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei blamed Washington for the chaos gripping the region. — Jon Gambrell, Fortune, 13 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for gripping
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gripping
  1. interesting
  2. clenching
  3. fascinating
  4. intriguing
  5. grasping
  6. engaging
  7. clutching
  8. enchanting
Adjective
  • The research examining wearables indicate interesting results.
    — Forbes.com, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
  • The former’s status as a non-comedy comedy has been processed ad nauseam, but Margo makes for a more interesting case as a new show.
    — Joe Reid, Vulture, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of interesting
Verb
  • Janet held the phone away from her ear, clenching her teeth against Maggie’s booming voice.
    — Lizz Schumer, PEOPLE, 23 July 2026
  • His workouts, jaw-clenching pull-ups and all, regularly appear on social media.
    — Missy Ryan, The Atlantic, 22 July 2026
Definition of clenching
Verb
  • Wilentz, author of the 2010 book Dylan in America, wrote Volume 18‘s detailed, often fascinating 125-page liner notes that provides historical context for the expansive eight-CD set.
    — Glenn Peoples, Billboard, 7 Nov. 2025
  • Once on the ground visitors can enjoy Greenland’s rugged coastal landscapes, fascinating indigenous Inuit culture, and the opportunity to experience the country at its primordial best.
    — Arati Menon, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Jan. 2025
Definition of fascinating
Verb
  • The first four episodes made available for review likewise have tiny sparks of interest, from some witty dialogue to genuine plot momentum to intriguing new characters popping up.
    — Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 21 June 2026
  • His 6-foot-6 frame and power potential offer intriguing athletic tools.
    — Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 21 June 2026
Definition of intriguing
Verb
  • That there was grasping profit-seeking by private-sector grocery stores.
    — David Frum, The Atlantic, 22 July 2026
  • By combining grasping and touch sensing into a single soft device, future robots could be trained to perform much more complex and demanding tasks than simply washing the dishes.
    — Maryna Holovnova, New Atlas, 20 July 2026
Definition of grasping
Adjective
  • The [women’s] stories are undeniably engaging but in a world of very flashy content everywhere, the bar is so high for documentary making now.
    — K.J. Yossman, Variety, 30 July 2026
  • This gives beauty brands of all sizes a unique opportunity to interact with consumers, in a way that feels natural and engaging.
    — Clara Ludmir, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
Definition of engaging
Verb
  • Moments later, as gunfire erupts, the video appears to show Freytes running back inside clutching his chest before collapsing to the floor as horrified customers look on.
    — Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 27 July 2026
  • Just picture wearing this manicure while clutching an Aperol spritz on a winding cobblestone street!
    — Daisy Maldonado, InStyle, 16 July 2026
Definition of clutching
Verb
  • The rolling meadows, forests, and enchanting Monet gardens form an artistic canvas that complements the hotel’s interiors.
    — Veronica M. Stoddart, Travel + Leisure, 30 June 2026
  • The rookie showman is proving his mettle as part of the Caballero Circus, a five-generation family of performers, by enchanting audiences with his charismatic stage presence and sharp coordination.
    — Andrea Flores, Los Angeles Times, 19 May 2026
Definition of enchanting

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Cite this Entry

“Gripping.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gripping. Accessed 4 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on gripping

Nglish: Translation of gripping for Spanish Speakers

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