grope

Definition of gropenext
as in to fumble
to search for something blindly or uncertainly she groped in her purse for her car keys groping for the right answer

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 grope Taylor claims Lee groped and kissed her and then forced his hand into her pants, penetrating her with his fingers. Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 20 Jan. 2026 After literally years of groping around in the dark, Brazil do, at least, have the makings of a plan under Ancelotti. Jack Lang, New York Times, 17 Jan. 2026 After the charges were filed, a man came forward to report that Busfield had allegedly groped the man’s 16-year-old daughter during auditions for a play in Sacramento several years ago. Gene Maddaus, Variety, 14 Jan. 2026 The current warrant affidavit, which references the Little Big League incident, also cited other prior accusations, including a 2012 groping allegation in Los Angeles. Seth Abramovitch, HollywoodReporter, 13 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for grope
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grope
Verb
  • Do not fumble this opportunity to select a governor that is a true progressive candidate.
    Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Feb. 2026
  • In turn, the Heat fumbled it away.
    Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 10 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • The Sussexes coordinated in matching casual navy looks.
    Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 16 Feb. 2026
  • Defense chiefs from two major US allies have issued a rare public plea for people across Europe to support big boosts in defense spending to deter a possible war with an increasingly westward-looking Russia.
    Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 16 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • When a system reaches equilibrium, no further energy can be extracted.
    Big Think, Big Think, 16 Feb. 2026
  • The high is likely to reach the upper 30s in the Boston area.
    Grace Zokovitch, Boston Herald, 16 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Grope.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grope. Accessed 19 Feb. 2026.

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