as in pulsating
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Dissimilar Words
as in pulsing
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
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Recent Examples of throbbing
Karl Hille, Baltimore Sun, 15 Jan. 2026
Over throbbing synths, the actors shouted declarations into each other’s ears—and additionally communicated with eyes and hands—while a cameraman circled them with a Steadicam.
—Rebecca Mead, New Yorker, 8 Dec. 2025
Whether sharp and stabbing or dull and throbbing, a headache can ruin your day.
—Katherine Cobb-Pitstick, The Conversation, 1 Dec. 2025
Sirāt, an oddly hopeful look at death and the end of the world, set to a throbbing techno beat, was nominated for best casting, cinematography and editing, as well as best production and best sound design.
—Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 26 Nov. 2025
And certainly, many migraine sufferers—though not all—experience a throbbing headache.
—Angela Haupt, Time, 4 Nov. 2025
Rusty wanted to do something stupid, but the calming presence of Billy negated all of Rusty’s throbbing impulses.
—Manuel Muñoz, Literary Hub, 11 Sep. 2025
There was a burning sensation in my lungs, every breath a throbbing struggle.
—Celeste Moure, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 Feb. 2024
Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 24 Jan. 2026
The book club regularly meets to discuss romance novels in all their sticky, sweaty, throbbing passions.
—Maddie Connors, Los Angeles Times, 12 Jan. 2026
The air was throbbing with the sounds of helicopters coming close and pulling away.
—Karan Mahajan, New Yorker, 15 Dec. 2025
The song now opens with throbbing synth bass that completely transforms its mood and style.
—Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 13 Nov. 2025
Banff Sunshine boasts that its 12 lifts are the most modern and efficient in Canada, offering access to more than 3,300 skiable acres and its infamous Delirium Dive for heart-throbbing off-piste, off-trail thrills.
—Stephanie Stephens, USA Today, 13 Nov. 2025
Ones where the monster, their creator, or both are possessed by throbbing, animalistic lust.
—Katie Rife, Vulture, 9 Nov. 2025
Their throbbing dance videos are shot in mansions and on yachts.
—Antonio Maria Delgado, Miami Herald, 7 Nov. 2025
Over ominous, throbbing music, the lights start flashing, the tension starts building, and then, finally, Godzilla enters from stage right.
—New Atlas, 24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
If not remedied, this will progress to a tingling and later a throbbing sensation.
—Karl Hille, Baltimore Sun, 15 Jan. 2026
Over throbbing synths, the actors shouted declarations into each other’s ears—and additionally communicated with eyes and hands—while a cameraman circled them with a Steadicam.
—Rebecca Mead, New Yorker, 8 Dec. 2025
Whether sharp and stabbing or dull and throbbing, a headache can ruin your day.
—Katherine Cobb-Pitstick, The Conversation, 1 Dec. 2025
Sirāt, an oddly hopeful look at death and the end of the world, set to a throbbing techno beat, was nominated for best casting, cinematography and editing, as well as best production and best sound design.
—Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 26 Nov. 2025
And certainly, many migraine sufferers—though not all—experience a throbbing headache.
—Angela Haupt, Time, 4 Nov. 2025
Rusty wanted to do something stupid, but the calming presence of Billy negated all of Rusty’s throbbing impulses.
—Manuel Muñoz, Literary Hub, 11 Sep. 2025
There was a burning sensation in my lungs, every breath a throbbing struggle.
—Celeste Moure, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 Feb. 2024
Verb
That’s why my leg is throbbing.
—Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 24 Jan. 2026
The book club regularly meets to discuss romance novels in all their sticky, sweaty, throbbing passions.
—Maddie Connors, Los Angeles Times, 12 Jan. 2026
The air was throbbing with the sounds of helicopters coming close and pulling away.
—Karan Mahajan, New Yorker, 15 Dec. 2025
The song now opens with throbbing synth bass that completely transforms its mood and style.
—Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 13 Nov. 2025
Banff Sunshine boasts that its 12 lifts are the most modern and efficient in Canada, offering access to more than 3,300 skiable acres and its infamous Delirium Dive for heart-throbbing off-piste, off-trail thrills.
—Stephanie Stephens, USA Today, 13 Nov. 2025
Ones where the monster, their creator, or both are possessed by throbbing, animalistic lust.
—Katie Rife, Vulture, 9 Nov. 2025
Their throbbing dance videos are shot in mansions and on yachts.
—Antonio Maria Delgado, Miami Herald, 7 Nov. 2025
Over ominous, throbbing music, the lights start flashing, the tension starts building, and then, finally, Godzilla enters from stage right.
—New Atlas, 24 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for throbbing
Adjective
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To experience the city’s culture at its most pulsating, visit during the annual Carnaval de Limón in October.—
Lydia Price,
Travel + Leisure,
18 Dec. 2025
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The relentlessly pulsating tempo of the record is tailor-made for the most full-throttle parts of 5SOS’ live show.—
Larisha Paul,
Rolling Stone,
24 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The area, once home to a vibrant Black community known as Freedman’s Town, is now a mix of residential and commercial high-rise towers, pulsing nightlife and pricey townhomes.—
Dallas Morning News,
Dallas Morning News,
31 Jan. 2026
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Using this response, Appelbaum defined a sleep-like state in jellyfish as pulsing fewer than 37 times per minute for over three minutes, and eight minutes or more of stillness in sea anemones.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
24 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Relevant, heart-palpitating, thoughtful, emotional, tense, thrilling, devastating and joyful.—
Kelly Lawler,
USA Today,
4 Dec. 2025
Verb
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The effect is similar to a washing machine vibrating when wet clothes collect on one side of the drum.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
27 Jan. 2026
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While the glasses read the scene, a wristband helps the wearer see whether someone looks happy, confused, or upset by vibrating in unique patterns.—
William A. Haseltine,
Forbes.com,
23 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Point Loma Nazarene’s women’s basketball team improved to 14-4 and climbed back on top of the PacWest Conference standings with a 10-2 mark after beating Azusa Pacific (80-55) and contender Vanguard (59-57) last week.—
Bill Center,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
27 Jan. 2026
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In the final, Black & Alshon threw down the gauntlet, beating the top pair in three straight for gold.—
Todd Boss,
Forbes.com,
26 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Throbbing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/throbbing. Accessed 4 Feb. 2026.
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