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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of grope
The prosecution’s theory was that Moseby started by flirting with students, then began groping them while disguising the action as legitimate help with cheer moves.
—
Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 31 Dec. 2025
During the ride, one of the men groped Rosalinda, who was fourteen.
—Jordan Salama, New Yorker, 30 Dec. 2025
Everyone—libidinous kids and adults alike—is alienated and groping for distraction, until tragedy strikes.
—The Atlantic Culture Desk, The Atlantic, 21 Dec. 2025
Look no further than Mexico’s first woman president, who was recently groped on the street during a public appearance.
—Suzette Hackney, USA Today, 21 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for grope
Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 31 Dec. 2025
During the ride, one of the men groped Rosalinda, who was fourteen.
—Jordan Salama, New Yorker, 30 Dec. 2025
Everyone—libidinous kids and adults alike—is alienated and groping for distraction, until tragedy strikes.
—The Atlantic Culture Desk, The Atlantic, 21 Dec. 2025
Look no further than Mexico’s first woman president, who was recently groped on the street during a public appearance.
—Suzette Hackney, USA Today, 21 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for grope
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grope
Verb
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Beauty products have taken over my sink, leaving me fumbling for my go-to face washes and serums every morning and night.—
Jacqueline Tempera,
Better Homes & Gardens,
14 Jan. 2026
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The Steelers failed to capitalize on the miscues from a jittery Stroud, who fumbled twice and threw a pick deep in Pittsburgh territory.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
13 Jan. 2026
Verb
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For those looking for a show of holiday blooms, this process begins in early fall, as temperatures naturally drop and the days start getting shorter.—
Cori Sears,
The Spruce,
14 Jan. 2026
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For example, if your space is 150 square feet, look for a model with 1,500-watt capacity.—
Shivani Vyas,
Better Homes & Gardens,
14 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Iran has been plunged into a nationwide internet blackout as anti-regime protests intensify, severely restricting communication across the country as demonstrations enter their second week and the death toll reaches 44, according to reports.—
Emma Bussey,
FOXNews.com,
9 Jan. 2026
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According to the official, the suspect refused to roll his window down or get out of his car, so the officer broke a rear window and reached inside the car to unlock the door.—
WCCO Staff,
CBS News,
9 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Grope.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grope. Accessed 30 Jan. 2026.
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