throb 1 of 2

noun

Definition of throbnext
as in pulse
a rhythmic expanding and contracting I seemed to feel anew the pain of her death with each throb of my heart

Synonyms & Similar Words

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throb

2 of 2

verb

ˈthräb How to pronounce throb (audio)
as in to pulse
to expand and contract in a rhythmic manner the car's stereo speakers throbbing with the song's bass line

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 throb
Noun
Maybe this nonstop back-and-forth, this spiritual reverb, this throb-throb oscillation between the actual and the symbolic, the objective and the imagined, is the heartbeat of Moby-Dick. — James Parker, The Atlantic, 27 Jan. 2026 Puerto Morelos Located between the dizzying throbs of Cancun and Playa del Carmen, Puerto Morelos has managed to cling to its fishing village charm. — Gemma Price, Travel + Leisure, 11 Jan. 2026
Verb
When Marlowe awoke the next morning, her head was still throbbing and Declan's side was empty, the sheets lineless. — Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 30 June 2026 And judging by the throbbing snippet that caps off the video they might not be done. — Alphonse Pierre, Pitchfork, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for throb
Recent Examples of Synonyms for throb
  1. pulse
  2. beat
  3. vibrate
  4. pulsate
  5. palpitate
Noun
  • The latest consumer price report has arrived, offering a closer look at the country’s economic pulse and how everyday Americans are faring as the war with Iran drags on.
    — Claire Malon, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2026
  • The breakup hit simmered to the top so slowly that many who aren’t avid country listeners missed its ascent entirely — even the DJs who have their finger on the pulse.
    — Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of pulse
Verb
  • Exports were the main driver of growth, with shipments from the country beating expectations for all three months of the quarter.
    — Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Bruno Damiani scored his first two goals of the season, 16-year-old Cavan Sullivan had two assists and the Philadelphia Union rallied from two goals down to beat New York City FC 3-2 on Sunday night at Yankee Stadium.
    — CBS New York Team, CBS News, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of beat
Verb
  • Styles’s fourth album revels in all those hours spent shouting euphoria into the ears of friends on dance floors and riding the bassy, body-vibrating techno loops until well after the sun comes up.
    — Vogue, Vogue, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Our apps ding on our phones and text messages vibrate on our smartwatches.
    — Esther K. Choy, Forbes.com, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of vibrate
Verb
  • In the clip, Norwood signals the engineer before launching into a performance of the theme, which captures the songstress delivering impassioned vocals over a pulsating instrumental.
    — Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 11 Aug. 2026
  • That might not sound that exciting, but in low lighting, the massive illuminated tanks of pulsating jellies feel like a mesmerizing alien art exhibit.
    — Jessica Kozuka, Travel + Leisure, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of pulsate
Verb
  • The heart-palpitating rhythms and glitchy stutters suggest some unholy mix of early Plastikman and Mark Fell, the vestiges of ’90s dance music reanimated into a herky-jerky Frankenstein’s monster.
    — Andrew Ryce, Pitchfork, 4 Aug. 2026
  • But two sweaty and heart-palpitating afternoons at Foley Field spoke a truth about Georgia, bound for the College World Series for the first time since 2008.
    — Ken Sugiura, AJC.com, 8 June 2026
Definition of palpitate

Browse Nearby Words

throaty
throb
throbbed
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Cite this Entry

“Throb.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/throb. Accessed 20 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on throb

Nglish: Translation of throb for Spanish Speakers

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