yawning 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of yawningnext
1
as in nodding

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2
as in gaping

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yawning

2 of 2

verb

present participle of yawn
as in snoring

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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 yawning
Adjective
Yet the shooting also divided the American public in ways that many found disturbing, including a yawning lack of empathy for the victim and even cheering for the shooter. — Patrik Jonsson, The Christian Science Monitor, 10 Dec. 2024 In Palm Beach County, Ian's yawning reach spun up four tornadoes. — Jennifer Borresen, USA Today, 10 Jan. 2023 But McNamara obtained the transcripts and discovered yawning contradictions. — Globe Staff, BostonGlobe.com, 9 June 2022 Senator Joe Manchin of West Virginia and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York may be at opposite ends of the ideological spectrum, but a more yawning gap between figures in the party has existed before. — John Dickerson, The Atlantic, 1 Mar. 2022
Recent Examples of Synonyms for yawning
  1. nodding
  2. gaping
  3. snoring
  4. sleeping
  5. wide
  6. sniffing
  7. gasping
  8. panting
Adjective
  • James O’Donoghue, a planetary scientist with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, likened our planet’s tilting phenomenon to a nodding head.
    — Aylin Woodward, WSJ, 21 Dec. 2021
Definition of nodding
Adjective
  • This is the most gaping vacancy of all—Trump gestures toward two American incitements, one historic, one extremely recent.
    — Fintan O’Toole, The New York Review of Books, 9 Apr. 2026
  • Waldo’s digital shopping cart — and McCurdy’s brusque descriptions of her late-night binges — highlight the gaping, cavernous maw of her wants.
    — CT Jones, Rolling Stone, 20 Jan. 2026
Definition of gaping
Verb
  • Like older Samsung watches, the Ultra 2 can monitor for sleep apnea and snoring overnight, and even measure your body fat like a smart scale.
    — Andrew Gebhart, PC Magazine, 26 July 2026
  • Being in the same room can make issues worse, with choosing what to watch on television and snoring being the biggest annoyances.
    — Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 9 June 2026
Definition of snoring
Adjective
  • An autopsy showed that the infant died from asphyxiation secondary to a co-sleeping/overlay event with an unsafe sleeping environment.
    — Laura Bauer, Kansas City Star, 26 Feb. 2026
Definition of sleeping
Adjective
  • My mom raves about Vuori loungewear, and there’s currently a pair of the brand’s airy, feather-soft wide-leg pants on sale for 25 percent off.
    — Rylee Johnston, PEOPLE, 8 Aug. 2026
  • About 40 Gullah Geechee still live on the island year-round in modest dwellings, such as cottages and single-wide trailers.
    — Adam Van Brimmer, AJC.com, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of wide
Verb
  • Safe and smart practices for walking your dog Walking your dog is an amazing way to bond with your dog while sharing experiences, and there’s not much more charming than the sight of a dog sniffing fresh air; however, safety is critical.
    — Tanya Edwards, USA Today, 1 Aug. 2026
  • The woods were dead silent except for the sound of her huffing and sniffing.
    — Todd Orr, Outdoor Life, 30 July 2026
Definition of sniffing
Verb
  • Warmer water naturally carries less oxygen, which prompts corals to move their cilia faster and faster, as if gasping for breath.
    — Marlowe Starling, Quanta Magazine, 5 Aug. 2026
  • However, in the driveway, Hal is gasping for life in the back of Alden’s van.
    — Erin Qualey, Vulture, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of gasping
Verb
  • The bear was panting and struggling with the placement of its paws and legs on the pole — which was carrying 7,200-volt wires at 22 feet high.
    — Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 25 July 2026
  • Dogs primarily rely on panting, while cats also groom themselves to help regulate body temperature.
    — Lauren Paige Richeson, USA Today, 21 July 2026
Definition of panting

Browse Nearby Words

yawners
yawning
yawns
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Cite this Entry

“Yawning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/yawning. Accessed 8 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on yawning

Nglish: Translation of yawning for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about yawning

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