Definition of palpitatenext
as in to throb
to expand and contract in a rhythmic manner the man's heart began to palpitate, and he feared another attack was coming on

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 palpitate The Broad palpitated with energy. Mark Swed, Los Angeles Times, 9 Feb. 2025 The finale had the impossible task of putting the monstrous show to an unquiet grave, and while some storylines seemed rushed and others completely ignored, even everyone’s least favorite season of GOT is heart palpitating. Taylor Antrim, Vogue, 31 Jan. 2025 Representing heart-palpitating romance is the main storyline: the passion of Megha’s son Naveen (Carol Mazhuvancheril) for his boyfriend, Keshav (Noah Israel), a fellow Hindu who happens to be Caucasian. Celia Wren, Washington Post, 14 Mar. 2023 The matte, phosphorescent sigils painted onto his robe appeared to palpitate in the low light. Kent Russell, Harper’s Magazine , 25 May 2022 In one of the raciest vignettes, a man buys and eats fresh dumplings on a train, intermittently palpitating his sore gums with his fingers. Sophie Pinkham, The New York Review of Books, 8 May 2020 Angelica Hernández's heart hasn't stopped palpitating for a week. Author: Arelis R. Hernández, Cristina Corujo, Anchorage Daily News, 12 Jan. 2020 The past three seasons, their games were marked by palpitating comebacks. New York Times, 23 Nov. 2019
Recent Examples of Synonyms for palpitate
Verb
  • With osteomalacia and rickets, a person may experience throbbing bone discomfort and muscle weakness and pain.
    Mark Stibich, Verywell Health, 30 Jan. 2026
  • Her hand and arm cramped, her shoulder ached, and her knee throbbed, all while the rain soaked through their clothes.
    Lizz Schumer, PEOPLE, 27 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Jets fans pictured Darnold wearing the green and white, beating the Patriots on his way to the Super Bowl.
    Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 4 Feb. 2026
  • After going nearly two months without consecutive victories, the Capitals beat the Islanders, 4-1, for their third straight win.
    Bailey Johnson, Washington Post, 4 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • There was a low rumble that vibrated for a second or two, then faded away.
    Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 1 Feb. 2026
  • Not for escapism, per se – Roseberry’s Schiaparelli show, one of his finest and weirdest to date, vibrated with implications about our world’s rigid definition of beauty, with horns, feathers and splashes of neon – but for indulgence.
    CNN Money, CNN Money, 30 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • The village pulses with a ton of energy, and the restaurant and après scene are also top-notch.
    Brent Rose, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Feb. 2026
  • The area, once home to a vibrant Black community known as Freedman’s Town, is now a mix of residential and commercial high-rise towers, pulsing nightlife and pricey townhomes.
    Dallas Morning News, Dallas Morning News, 31 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Palpitate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/palpitate. Accessed 8 Feb. 2026.

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