gasps

NOUN

sharply drawn breath

Synonyms

STRONGEST

exclamation whoop

STRONG

blow ejaculation gulp heave pant puff wheeze

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.

They erupt in a chorus of cheers and gasps as they watch paper fortunes being made and erased in seconds.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 13, 2026

It was the first time many had seen the hardware side by side, and, amid audible gasps, their power was unmistakable.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 26, 2026

There were audible gasps as the footage was played in court on Friday.

From BBC • Mar. 13, 2026

Lee said Choi "did not waver" after a brutal fall that drew audible gasps from the crowd during her first run.

From Barron's • Feb. 13, 2026

Hazel sucked in breath in little pathetic gasps.

From "Breadcrumbs" by Anne Ursu