as in interesting
holding the attention or provoking interest
I found the exhibit on the Holocaust intensely gripping and quite moving
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in clenching
to have or keep in one's hands
gripped the handlebars tightly and raced down the hill
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in fascinating
to hold the attention of as if by a spell
that true crime story gripped me as much as any whodunit
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in intriguing
to hold the attention of
that movie will grip any true sports car fan
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in grasping
to reach for and take hold of by embracing with the fingers or arms
the baby gripped my fingers and wouldn't let go
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of gripping
Bill Goodykoontz, AZCentral.com, 30 Jan. 2026
The official Kentucky state play on the Hatfield–McCoy feud and a gripping examination of family, tribalism, and cycles of violence, performed by a multi-generational company of Appalachian theatre artists.
—Kirby Adams, Louisville Courier Journal, 29 Jan. 2026
Lydia Price, Travel + Leisure, 30 Jan. 2026
Enrigue has a long career of writing brilliant and gripping literary accounts of Mexico’s history with a daring flair.
—Los Angeles Times, 30 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for gripping
Adjective
This is as gripping as the film will get.
—Bill Goodykoontz, AZCentral.com, 30 Jan. 2026
The official Kentucky state play on the Hatfield–McCoy feud and a gripping examination of family, tribalism, and cycles of violence, performed by a multi-generational company of Appalachian theatre artists.
—Kirby Adams, Louisville Courier Journal, 29 Jan. 2026
Verb
Given the arctic temperatures gripping much of Canada and the Northeast this winter, those coats are a much welcome amenity.
—Lydia Price, Travel + Leisure, 30 Jan. 2026
Enrigue has a long career of writing brilliant and gripping literary accounts of Mexico’s history with a daring flair.
—Los Angeles Times, 30 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for gripping
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gripping
Adjective
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And Riera — who has arrived from NK Celje in Slovenia — is an interesting person.—
Sebastian Stafford-Bloor,
New York Times,
9 Feb. 2026
-
What’s interesting is the NBA has moved away from some events that either have become stale or manipulated, such as the skills competition giving way at next week’s All-Star Weekend.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
8 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Melvin Council stood amid a crowd of his Kansas teammates, clenching a black belt in his fist.—
Shreyas Laddha,
Kansas City Star,
25 Jan. 2026
-
Wole faced fixedly forward, both fists clenching the steering wheel.—
David Wright Faladé,
New Yorker,
28 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Wilentz, author of the 2010 book Dylan in America, wrote Volume 18‘s detailed, often fascinating 125-page liner notes that provides historical context for the expansive eight-CD set.—
Glenn Peoples,
Billboard,
7 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Our guide to the best upcoming sci-fi movies in 2026 features a blockbuster mix of popular franchises, intriguing one-offs, and one of the greatest directors of all time heading back to alien visitation territory.—
Richard Edwards,
Space.com,
31 Dec. 2025
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New York has intriguing young outfielders in Jasson Domínguez and Spencer jones, but Bellinger was the team's second best player in the lineup this season.—
Shaun McAvoy,
MSNBC Newsweek,
21 Oct. 2025
Verb
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As expected, the arm opposite the brain injury often has major problems with weakness, stiffness and voluntary control, limiting its use for reaching, grasping and manipulating objects.—
Candice Maenza,
The Conversation,
2 Feb. 2026
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Look for toys that support tummy time, grasping and visual engagement.—
Lina Ruiz,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
2 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
These small pets’ active and engaging behavior, from zipping around the tank and finding places to hide in solo play to following movement outside the tank in interactive play, can keep a kid’s attention.—
Sierra Leone Starks,
Parents,
10 Feb. 2026
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Hadi tells an engaging story, brings complex and surprising characters to life, lends a locale an aesthetic iconography, and renders personal identity inextricable from the forces of history that shaped or deformed it.—
Richard Brody,
New Yorker,
10 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The sight of 6-foot-10 center Gafford clutching that same right ankle has occurred more times than even Gafford can count in the Mavericks’ first 50 games this season.—
Brad Townsend,
Dallas Morning News,
3 Feb. 2026
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The mother walked out of the courtroom clutching her son and found an advocate with the Immigrant Advocacy Network in the lobby to explain her options.—
Elizabeth Hernandez,
Denver Post,
1 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Tucked at the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Santa Fe’s remarkable high desert landscapes and enchanting golden light feel almost otherworldly.—
Condé Nast Traveler,
Condé Nast Traveler,
29 Jan. 2026
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At times, partners may have had a special mystique, enchanting you with their powers that may have sucked you in — for the better — or instead, like an addiction.—
Kyle Thomas,
PEOPLE,
4 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Gripping.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gripping. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.
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