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 Gooding has been accused of groping dozens of women and pleaded guilty to one count of forcible touching in 2022. — Joseph Konig, PEOPLE, 20 July 2026 Franken fake-groped a sleeping woman as a joke, and was then credibly accused of groping numerous women for real. — Katha Pollitt, Washington Post, 10 July 2026 But there’s a savvy 2026 vibe about the way the film refuses to create florid melodrama out of quotidian crisis, and instead observes with generosity as the characters grope awkwardly toward emotional détente and mutual forgiveness. — Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 8 July 2026 The juvenile was allegedly approached by a man who tried starting a conversation and groped them. — Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for grope
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grope
Verb
  • The Wildcats opened the game with a goal-line stand, but Chiles fumbled the snap on their first offensive play and Rolijah Hardy tackled him in the end zone for a safety.
    — Michael Marot, Chicago Tribune, 26 Sep. 2026
  • But Rattler fumbled right before crossing the goal line, turning the ball over.
    — Joel Beers, Los Angeles Times, 26 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • The housekeeping staff was incredibly on top of things, and the room always looked spotless.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Sep. 2026
  • So Kelce reported to camp in terrific shape and looking svelte and nimble despite all the hoopla, especially around the wedding.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 22 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Cancer June 21 – July 22 Your public life may reach an important milestone.
    — Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 26 Sep. 2026
  • In forensic parlance, a diagnosis of exclusion is one reached by ruling out other plausible causes; drowning can be challenging to prove, because often there’s no telltale sign that one occurred.
    — Cristian Farias, New Yorker, 26 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Grope.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grope. Accessed 29 Sep. 2026.

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