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.

There were gasps in the crowd when Sinner slipped behind the baseline during the third set and took time to return to his feet, with the umpire heading over to check on him.

From BBC • Jun. 29, 2026

There were gasps in the public gallery as the judge explained that.

From BBC • Jun. 24, 2026

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’s one of those Los Angeles gas stations that garners gasps, even shrieks, from Angelenos shocked by the cost per gallon, which is perpetually priced above other pumps across the city.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 25, 2026

There are the gasps and whispers, and Anise finally lets out a screeching laugh.

From "Hurricane Child" by Kheryn Callender