gasped

VERB

draw breath in sharply

Synonyms

STRONGEST

choke snort whoop

STRONG

blow convulse gulp heave inhale inspire pant puff respire sniffle wheeze

WEAK

catch one's breath fight for breath

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The audience gasped during the speech and were "irritated and annoyed" that someone had been on their phone, before cheering and applauding when the speech was over, the BBC understands.

From BBC • Jun. 1, 2026

"Muhammet hit the seagull!" he gasped, referring to the goalie.

From Barron's • Feb. 24, 2026

My eyes widened and I gasped, “Mine too!”

From Slate • Feb. 22, 2026

The standing-room-only crowd gasped when Malinin gave up on the quad axel.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 14, 2026

She looked at the quilt in Coal’s hands and gasped.

From "Boy 2.0" by Tracey Baptiste