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
Relevance
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 sighing
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, 11 Feb. 2026
But the film belongs to Farmer, Jacobs’ own grandmother, who gives Hettie an unfussy sturdiness of mien and spirit to counter the growing, sighing frailty of her person, and a steady, narrow stare that occasionally seems to see through time.
—Guy Lodge, Variety, 7 Feb. 2026
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
Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 11 Feb. 2026
But the film belongs to Farmer, Jacobs’ own grandmother, who gives Hettie an unfussy sturdiness of mien and spirit to counter the growing, sighing frailty of her person, and a steady, narrow stare that occasionally seems to see through time.
—Guy Lodge, Variety, 7 Feb. 2026
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sighing
Verb
-
She was allegedly admitted to the hospital and was found in her room the next morning, vomiting and gasping for air.—
Clark Kauffman,
Iowa Capital Dispatch,
13 Mar. 2026
-
This often results in a choking, snorting, or gasping sound as normal breathing resumes.—
Daniel Combs,
Verywell Health,
9 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Some studies suggest our bodies will be able to handle increases in carbon dioxide without negative impacts, even under worst-case global warming scenarios, by breathing more and increasing bicarbonate production.—
Laura Paddison,
CNN Money,
19 Mar. 2026
-
Deputies arrived and found the victim unresponsive and not breathing.—
Dean Fioresi,
CBS News,
19 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The checkpoint ahead crawls forward as officers slide mirrors beneath cars and canines weave through the line, sniffing for explosives.—
Kevin Dolak,
HollywoodReporter,
14 Mar. 2026
-
Bomb-sniffing dogs were at the scene.—
Christopher Cann,
USA Today,
13 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The show portrays devious, cocaine-huffing young bankers climbing the ranks of global finance, and Yasmin—or Yas, for short—has cut the least noble path of all.—
Spencer Kornhaber,
The Atlantic,
2 Mar. 2026
-
While a bunch of gatekeeping owners were huffing about clarity, the invisible architect kept building without drawing attention.—
Jerry Brewer,
New York Times,
4 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Eyes wide, panting near panic, Foster perfectly captures the audience's own fear of being alone in the dark with a monster.—
Darren Franich,
Entertainment Weekly,
15 Mar. 2026
-
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
Cite this Entry
“Sighing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sighing. Accessed 22 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
