sigh 1 of 2

Definition of sighnext
as in to gasp
to take in and let out a deep audible breath or to make a similar sound Mom always used to sigh loudly whenever she found a mess on the floor—which was often a breeze sighed through the leaves

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

sigh

2 of 2

noun

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 sigh
Verb
Johnson sighed and rubbed a hand over her head in relief. Andrew Greif, NBC news, 10 Feb. 2026 But the film belongs to Farmer, Jacobs’ own grandmother, who gives Hettie an unfussy sturdiness of mien and spirit to counter the growing, sighing frailty of her person, and a steady, narrow stare that occasionally seems to see through time. Guy Lodge, Variety, 7 Feb. 2026
Noun
At the time, the collective sigh of relief from an entire country was as palpable as the collective scream of celebration. Mark Lazerus, New York Times, 12 Feb. 2026 News of the arrest came as a sigh of relief to Gershon. Adam Harrington, CBS News, 3 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sigh
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sigh
Verb
  • Her brothers and sisters all gasped.
    Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 11 Mar. 2026
  • This often results in a choking, snorting, or gasping sound as normal breathing resumes.
    Daniel Combs, Verywell Health, 9 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • There can be a whisper-fine line between feature and bug, and in its persistent thickness and archness of atmosphere, Cold War Choir Practice slides right up to that boundary and perches there.
    Sara Holdren, Vulture, 11 Mar. 2026
  • The world discovered what had once felt like a whisper.
    Gina Góngora, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The show portrays devious, cocaine-huffing young bankers climbing the ranks of global finance, and Yasmin—or Yas, for short—has cut the least noble path of all.
    Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 2 Mar. 2026
  • On one of the machines a Cluely employee panted and huffed in the dark.
    Sam Kriss, Harpers Magazine, 24 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • There were plenty of rumors, plenty of murmurs, plenty of whispers surrounding the Florida Panthers entering the NHL trade deadline.
    Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 7 Mar. 2026
  • The Charlotte Hornets are creating an unmistakable murmur throughout the city and beyond.
    Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 28 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • While our instincts are to jump into action after something like this happens, allow yourself a moment to breathe.
    Mamie Bah, CBS News, 13 Mar. 2026
  • Across Exuvie, Büchi induces a state of temporary autophony, a condition in which internal body sounds like breathing and blinking are amplified to maddening volume.
    Walden Green, Pitchfork, 13 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • In the field, Harry Truman’s Approval Rating whinnied and tossed its head, and Richard Nixon’s Approval Rating flopped on one side and emitted a horrible gurgle.
    Alexandra Petri, The Atlantic, 13 Feb. 2026
  • The sound of the waves and the gurgle of cascading water radiate a monastic serenity; the spa has a fine selection of hot-stone and deep-tissue massages.
    Chandrahas Choudhury, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Mar. 2024
Verb
  • This often results in a choking, snorting, or gasping sound as normal breathing resumes.
    Daniel Combs, Verywell Health, 9 Mar. 2026
  • Court documents allege an informant witnessed Clifton snorting cocaine near firearms during a drug deal at his residence.
    Jack Harvel, Kansas City Star, 3 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Read a book and sip tea in front of the central fireplace, swim between the indoor and outdoor sections of the glimmering pool, and soak your aching quads in the hot tubs under the evergreens and aspens while listening to the peaceful babble of Gore Creek.
    Sarah Kuta, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Feb. 2026
  • Now the babble about them is back.
    DP Opinion, Denver Post, 19 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sigh.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sigh. Accessed 18 Mar. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on sigh

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster