Definition of wheezenext
as in to gasp
to breathe hard, quickly, or with difficulty he was wheezing rapidly after a hard run

Synonyms & Similar Words

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wheeze

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 wheeze
Verb
Noah, however, couldn't run the length of a football field without wheezing. Gail Sheehy, Vanity Fair, 20 Feb. 2026 The old boiler wheezed and stalled, the roof sprang leaks, half-century-old pipes cracked, and the lobby intercom was defunct. Michael Powell, The Atlantic, 11 Feb. 2026
Noun
Meanwhile, their power play continued to sputter and wheeze, going 0 for 4 as part of a 2-for-34 funk. Andrew Knoll, Oc Register, 12 Apr. 2025 Everyone understands that smoke causes respiratory problems; all of us cough and wheeze when the air becomes hazardous for weeks at a time. Debra Hendrickson, WIRED, 4 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for wheeze
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wheeze
Verb
  • Gauff and Muchová had the crowd gasping in the thick heat through the tiebreak, which produced some of the most electric shots of what had already been a tense match.
    Ava Wallace, New York Times, 9 July 2026
  • Several people reported that the boy seemed to be gasping for air, police said.
    Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 7 July 2026
Noun
  • That has been Jordan Phillips’ norm every time the whistle blow during practices, and the Miami Dolphins’ second-year nose tackle isn’t focused on impressing his new coaches.
    Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 10 July 2026
  • Nearly a century later in 1978, in the wake of the Watergate scandal, a second Civil Service Reform Act was passed providing further protections, including for whistle blowers.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 July 2026
Noun
  • The fire contained compounds from more than two dozen chemical families, including dangerous amounts of bromide, a naturally occurring element that can irritate the skin and mucus membranes.
    AJ Willingham, AJC.com, 29 June 2026
  • The bromide has been debunked, but there is power — and delight — in making coffee shop drinks at home.
    Scott Hocker, TheWeek, 25 June 2026
Verb
  • Like Fritz said, Tiafoe snatched his NBA-style pants off in one motion.
    Merlisa Lawrence Corbett, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026
  • When panting alone cannot shed enough heat, dogs fall back on shade.
    Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 2 July 2026
Noun
  • Some riders gallivant and whoosh past bystanders, weaving in and out and putting surrounding passersby on edge.
    Doug Turnbull, AJC.com, 5 July 2026
  • Open spaces whoosh with fresh air.
    Mike Albo, Travel + Leisure, 8 June 2026
Noun
  • Wolff was only the eighth woman to drive a Formula 1 car (four more have done it since); the role, a now-commonplace one that includes driving the simulator during Grand Prix weekends to inform trackside strategy, was created for her.
    Danielle McNally, InStyle, 28 May 2026
  • The videos are often integrated into larger montages of drone strikes, underscoring how commonplace these drones have become for Russian forces.
    Vikram Mittal, Forbes.com, 23 May 2026
Noun
  • Keep in the original packaging, but once opened, transfer to an airtight container or zip-top bag.
    Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 6 July 2026
  • The internal zip pocket kept small valuables, such as my passport, Kindle, and lip balm, accessible without need for rummaging.
    Charley Ward, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 July 2026
Noun
  • As the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary, some of America’s most visible business leaders are doing more than offering patriotic platitudes.
    Robert Daugherty, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026
  • There’s passable yet indistinguishable music in this exact style dropping every day, but the difference with Chicago’s Fatso is that his lyrics feel like scraps of conversations that communicate his hurt without leaning on platitudes.
    Alphonse Pierre, Pitchfork, 24 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Wheeze.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wheeze. Accessed 13 Jul. 2026.

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