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. Washington Post, 11 Jan. 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
  • Financial markets throbbed with a panoply of new financial institutions — hedge funds — trading new financial instruments — derivative securities — the values of which were tied to still other financial instruments like home mortgages.
    Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 11 May 2025
  • Batteries of loudspeakers throbbed with a song whose refrain has become a catchphrase for those who want Mr. Yoon ousted.
    Choe Sang-Hun, New York Times, 22 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • With the leadership of head coach John Reese and a starting five packed with talent, the Pioneers became the team to beat in Texas.
    Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 June 2025
  • Increase mixer speed to medium, and beat until thickened and pipeable, about 1 to 2 minutes (do not overmix).
    Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 23 June 2025
Verb
  • Teaching me how a microwave vibrates water molecules to heat my dinner is less helpful than telling me what buttons to press and which containers are microwave-safe.
    Judd Kessler, New York Daily News, 17 June 2025
  • The males climb up trees and produce their shrill songs en masse, using muscles to vibrate a rigid part of their exoskeletons called tymbals.
    Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 30 May 2025
Verb
  • The center of this pulsing network—in Verne’s novel as in real life—was Britain, which seemed to have the run of the planet.
    Daniel Immerwahr, New Yorker, 16 June 2025
  • Moody yet melodic, darkwave adds an introspective depth to the soundtrack with pulsing basslines, vintage synths, and haunting vocals.
    Matt Rozo, Mercury News, 9 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Palpitate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/palpitate. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.

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