as in breathtaking
causing great emotional or mental stimulation
the movie's climax is a heart-stopping chase through the streets of San Francisco
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Recent Examples of heart-stopping
This was an ugly performance all around and won’t get the glow-up from a heart-stopping, last-second victory.
—
The Athletic Nfl Staff, New York Times, 5 Jan. 2026
Our Great National Parks spreads its wings over five gorgeous episodes, taking the viewer through some of the world’s most heart-stopping sights.
—Tomris Laffly, Entertainment Weekly, 25 Dec. 2025
Evening Light) whose heart-stopping garden presence cannot be overstated.
—Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 6 Dec. 2025
The series explores the high-pressure experiences of first responders — including police officers, firefighters, and dispatchers — who are thrust into the most frightening, shocking, and heart-stopping situations.
—Armando Tinoco, Deadline, 23 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for heart-stopping
The Athletic Nfl Staff, New York Times, 5 Jan. 2026
Our Great National Parks spreads its wings over five gorgeous episodes, taking the viewer through some of the world’s most heart-stopping sights.
—Tomris Laffly, Entertainment Weekly, 25 Dec. 2025
Evening Light) whose heart-stopping garden presence cannot be overstated.
—Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 6 Dec. 2025
The series explores the high-pressure experiences of first responders — including police officers, firefighters, and dispatchers — who are thrust into the most frightening, shocking, and heart-stopping situations.
—Armando Tinoco, Deadline, 23 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for heart-stopping
Recent Examples of Synonyms for heart-stopping
Adjective
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Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate reacted to that breathtaking strike by putting their hands on their head in disbelief.—
James Pearce,
New York Times,
9 Feb. 2026
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With thousands of romantic restaurants, breathtaking views, and honeymoon-ready hotels, the Eternal City tops a new global list.—
Kristine Hansen,
Travel + Leisure,
9 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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The park offers one of the most exciting wildlife experiences in Southern Africa, with a million acres of biodiverse savannas, wetlands, and montane rainforests, and a range of animals that includes buffalo herds, lion prides, and an array of birds.—
Lisa Grainger,
Condé Nast Traveler,
10 Feb. 2026
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That changed two years ago, when the ISU lifted its ban in a bid to make the sport more exciting and popular among younger fans.—
Fernanda Figueroa,
Chicago Tribune,
10 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Well, that was not exactly a thrilling game.—
Alexei Oreskovic,
Fortune,
9 Feb. 2026
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The celebrity cameos came moments after one of Bad Bunny's most thrilling stunts.—
Ryan Coleman,
Entertainment Weekly,
9 Feb. 2026
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
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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
Cite this Entry
“Heart-stopping.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/heart-stopping. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.
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