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
Relevance
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
Andrew had reported that Owen groped him, encouraged him to undress and kissed him during sessions.
—
Jessica Schreifels, ProPublica, 27 Mar. 2026
Two more women said staff members groped them or touched them inappropriately.
—Erik Ortiz, NBC news, 27 Mar. 2026
Cannon starred in a production of Sweet Bird of Youth at the Old Vic in 2013 and claims Spacey groped him at a party after the play’s press night.
—Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 19 Mar. 2026
Spacey was artistic director at the Old Vic when Cannon claims the Oscar-winner groped him at a party.
—Max Goldbart, Deadline, 19 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for grope
Jessica Schreifels, ProPublica, 27 Mar. 2026
Two more women said staff members groped them or touched them inappropriately.
—Erik Ortiz, NBC news, 27 Mar. 2026
Cannon starred in a production of Sweet Bird of Youth at the Old Vic in 2013 and claims Spacey groped him at a party after the play’s press night.
—Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 19 Mar. 2026
Spacey was artistic director at the Old Vic when Cannon claims the Oscar-winner groped him at a party.
—Max Goldbart, Deadline, 19 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for grope
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grope
Verb
-
In the 88th minute, Neuer fumbled a routine shot and allowed Joselu to equalise.—
Sebastian Stafford-Bloor,
New York Times,
8 Apr. 2026
-
Fans were exiting en masse in the top of the ninth when Frelick’s RBI single off Rule 5 rookie Ryan Watson, fumbled by reigning AL Gold Glove centerfielder Ceddanne Rafaela, increased Milwaukee’s lead to three.—
Gabrielle Starr,
Boston Herald,
7 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The satchel design is great for everyday use and looks great with a casual outfit like Kendall Jenner and Jennifer Garner’s jean looks.—
Shea Simmons,
PEOPLE,
20 Apr. 2026
-
The result looks a bit like the internet sensation the Crooked Man, who exercises his left trapezius and nothing else.—
Zachary Fine,
New Yorker,
20 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The high Tuesday is expected to reach the upper 40s, with mostly sunny skies through the day, forecasts show.—
Grace Zokovitch,
Boston Herald,
20 Apr. 2026
-
On an afternoon Brandt Clarke, Adrian Kempe and Drew Doughty took turns trying to bully the Avalanche, Colorado reached around and gave the Kings a Wedgie.—
Sean Keeler,
Denver Post,
20 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Grope.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grope. Accessed 24 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
