as in gasping
to take in and let out a deep audible breath or to make a similar sound
Mom always used to sigh loudly whenever she found a mess on the floor—which was often a breeze sighed through the leaves
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of sighing
Suddenly, Jeff Parker plucks a sighing six-note guitar run, dropping his shoulders into a solo section that carries the tune to its swooning conclusion.
—
Dash Lewis, Pitchfork, 20 Dec. 2025
Being in the theater with everyone sighing and laughing all together was a fantastic feeling.
—Sabrina Impacciatore, Vulture, 1 Dec. 2025
The song’s gentle reggaetón shuffle is augmented by some lovely harp plucking, and backing vocals that seem to be sighing in agreement.
—Andrew Unterberger, Billboard, 21 Nov. 2025
Cali gave her friend a look before sighing and pulling off I-10.
—Bryan Washington, New Yorker, 7 Sep. 2025
And while many might be reluctant to close the time capsule door on their beloved skinnies, some of us are sighing with relief that the current denim trend is comfy enough for travel.
—Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 3 Sep. 2025
Dash Lewis, Pitchfork, 20 Dec. 2025
Being in the theater with everyone sighing and laughing all together was a fantastic feeling.
—Sabrina Impacciatore, Vulture, 1 Dec. 2025
The song’s gentle reggaetón shuffle is augmented by some lovely harp plucking, and backing vocals that seem to be sighing in agreement.
—Andrew Unterberger, Billboard, 21 Nov. 2025
Cali gave her friend a look before sighing and pulling off I-10.
—Bryan Washington, New Yorker, 7 Sep. 2025
And while many might be reluctant to close the time capsule door on their beloved skinnies, some of us are sighing with relief that the current denim trend is comfy enough for travel.
—Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 3 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sighing
Verb
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Then came another jab, and the hairpiece bounced up as if Miller’s scalp was the bottom of a gasping clam.—
Matt Moret,
New York Times,
1 Feb. 2026
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The result is a searing drama that had audiences at the National Theatre in London, where the production opened at the end of 2024, gasping in surprise, shock, and sympathy.—
Sarah Crompton,
Vogue,
20 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Doctors provide supportive care, and patients who develop severe neurological symptoms may need help breathing.—
Michal Ruprecht,
CNN Money,
30 Jan. 2026
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The inspector located two opaque brown sacks, each with an unconscious but still breathing bird, in Martinez’s pants, according to court documents.—
Andrew J. Campa,
Los Angeles Times,
30 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The study found that the dog-owning group of mice spent more time sniffing other mice and approaching trapped cagemates.—
Raven Brunner,
PEOPLE,
27 Jan. 2026
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One worker joined the FBI and made a career in counterintelligence, sniffing out Chinese spies.—
Hanna Rosin,
The Atlantic,
22 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Or have all of his brain cells corroded away after years of huffing his own scent?—
Tom Smyth,
Vulture,
9 Jan. 2026
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Through Blazy’s gaze, what looks outlandish is often revealed to be truer to itself than, for instance, the nearby tourist restaurants with candles burning down over beef bourguignon and accordions huffing in the corner.—
Nathan Heller,
Vogue,
14 Oct. 2025
Verb
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User @briadeshaun took a more relatable route and impersonated an out-of-shape owl, worn out from flying and repeatedly panting to catch its breath.—
Saleen Martin,
USA Today,
27 Jan. 2026
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Her dog panting, unquestioning, always thrilled to see her.—
Allegra Goodman,
New Yorker,
4 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Sighing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sighing. Accessed 4 Feb. 2026.
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