1
as in close
lacking fresh air
the room was hot and breathless
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in rapid
moving, proceeding, or acting with great speed
ran at a breathless pace to get help
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in fallen
no longer living
carried the breathless body of his beloved dog back home
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 breathless
She’s also written about women’s basketball for The Believer, and recently published a breathless Knicks play-by-play for SB Nation.
—
Brittany Allen,
Literary Hub,
18 June 2026
Both Charbonneau and Shaver understood how key the breathless moment between Cay and Vivian was to Deitch’s vision — and didn’t have reservations about filming it, despite their agents’ warnings.
—
Elaina Patton,
IndieWire,
16 June 2026
While the combination of editor Sarah Broshar’s relentless pacing and John Williams’ full-bodied score (which stands among the veteran composer’s finest) makes for an exciting watch throughout, the breathless action sequences are especially thrilling.
—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
9 June 2026
Before tacos spawned $17 brunchtime objets d’art and before Orange County’s dining scene started receiving some of the breathless national attention usually reserved for Los Angeles and San Francisco, Rafael De Anda was making and selling tacos from a truck in Santa Ana.
—
Brock Keeling,
Oc Register,
3 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for breathless
Brittany Allen,
Literary Hub,
18 June 2026
Both Charbonneau and Shaver understood how key the breathless moment between Cay and Vivian was to Deitch’s vision — and didn’t have reservations about filming it, despite their agents’ warnings.
—
Elaina Patton,
IndieWire,
16 June 2026
While the combination of editor Sarah Broshar’s relentless pacing and John Williams’ full-bodied score (which stands among the veteran composer’s finest) makes for an exciting watch throughout, the breathless action sequences are especially thrilling.
—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
9 June 2026
Before tacos spawned $17 brunchtime objets d’art and before Orange County’s dining scene started receiving some of the breathless national attention usually reserved for Los Angeles and San Francisco, Rafael De Anda was making and selling tacos from a truck in Santa Ana.
—
Brock Keeling,
Oc Register,
3 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for breathless
Recent Examples of Synonyms for breathless
Adjective
-
Even though talks with the Boston Red Sox at last year’s deadline never got close, the confusion provided by an incorrect tweet announcing Ryan’s trade to New England put the pitcher at the top of every trade list before the season even began.
-
Ashley Smith is the manager of player engagement for the NFL, and the siblings are close.
Adjective
-
Earthquakes' sudden, rapid shaking can cause fires, tsunamis, landslides or avalanches.
-
At the heart of the clash is how to manage wild horse populations that can reproduce at a rapid clip.
Adjective
-
Dozens of firefighters lined the street in a solemn salute to their fallen colleagues.
-
Jackass Forever was dedicated to Dunn and concluded with a moving tribute to their fallen comrade.
Adjective
-
The Valkyries won their third straight game, defeating the Sparks 78-58 behind a suffocating defensive performance.
-
The Fleet played a suffocating style of hockey, with a strong forecheck and the ability to wear down opponents with relentless offensive-zone pressure.
Adjective
-
Studies show that orgasms also relieve menstrual pain, lower blood pressure, enhance circulation, correlate with better cardiac functioning, and burn calories equivalent to thirty minutes of brisk walking.
-
The glacier carts and kiosks that dish out ice cream, soft serve and sorbets did brisk business all week.
Adjective
-
There were no signs of rodents at any businesses during this inspection period, but dead roaches were found at Conservatory at Plano, at 6401 Ohio Drive.
-
She was flown by Life Flight to a local hospital, where she was later pronounced dead.
Adjective
-
For all the deserved talk about the Knicks’ dynamic offense, the defense has been far more stifling than their reputation suggests.
-
Her mother, who had a staid upbringing in California, came to New York in the early sixties looking for someplace more diverse and less stifling.
Adjective
-
Michael Jackson and Lisa Marie Presley There may still be questions about whether the romance between Michael Jackson and Lisa Marie Presley was genuine, and their secret, quick-turn overseas wedding didn't help matters.
-
But upon closer inspection Mbiya appears significantly leaner and quicker.
Cite this Entry
“Breathless.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/breathless. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
