breathing 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of breathingnext
as in alive
having or showing life realized that he didn't need a comic-book superhero, since he had a real, breathing hero in his father

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

breathing

2 of 2

verb

present participle of breathe
1
as in snoring
to inhale and exhale air sometimes it gets so hot in here that it's hard to even breathe

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in living
to have life as long as I breathe, you will have a place to stay

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 breathing
Verb
Straight from Sean Payton and every other living, breathing human being who’s attended Broncos training camp, Bryant has been THE star. — Jess Bryant, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026 Surrounded by the destruction, the baby squirrel still kept breathing. — Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 20 Aug. 2026 Darrin, who was paralyzed in the accident, is now breathing on his own and more active. — Hannah Sacks, PEOPLE, 19 Aug. 2026 He was endlessly condemned for anything those who hated him could come up with, including the common-sense approach of staying put during a deadly plague killing millions, and not breathing and coughing in other people’s faces. — Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 15 Aug. 2026 These include monthly summaries involving blood pressure trends, sleep breathing quality and insulin resistance trends. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 15 Aug. 2026 The party establishment is breathing a sign of relief that democratic socialist Francesca Hong, who led the pre-election polls by double-digits, will not be topping their ticket. — Karen Tumulty, Washington Post, 12 Aug. 2026 Lung inflammation makes breathing tougher and coughing and wheezing more frequent. — Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 11 Aug. 2026 Dozier feared waking up to find her daughter unconscious or not breathing — a mother’s worst nightmare. — Becca Savransky, Idaho Statesman, 11 Aug. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for breathing
  1. alive
  2. snoring
  3. living
  4. live
  5. respiring
Adjective
  • Hope remained alive even after the key 48 to 72 hour window to find survivors beneath the rubble has long passed.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Marion ‘Suge’ Knight Knight and Davis are the only remaining people alive who were directly involved in the encounter that led to Shakur’s death.
    — Taylor Romine, CNN Money, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of alive
Verb
  • Among those who did not always share a bed, 86% named snoring as the primary complaint.
    — Ryan Brennan, Charlotte Observer, 20 Aug. 2026
  • The latter, voiced by Martin Scorsese in the film, is largely asleep and snoring in the food truck-like stand, while Grogu uses the Force to whisk orders across the counter.
    — Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of snoring
Verb
  • For people living and working along the eastern edge of Greeley, the sound of trains is a familiar part of everyday life.
    — Dillon Thomas, CBS News, 18 Aug. 2026
  • In all, there are about 7,500 square feet of living space; Both homes are being sold furnished.
    — Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of living
Adjective
  • Vivo, by the pool, is much more relaxed for breakfast, smoothies, iced coffee, gazpacho, or clams for lunch, and live music in the evenings.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Aug. 2026
  • The weekend will also feature live music and activities for children and families.
    — Jamal Goss, CBS News, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of live
Verb
  • When the soil becomes saturated from overwatering, the pores fill with water, limiting oxygen and preventing the roots from respiring.
    — Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 12 May 2026
Definition of respiring

Browse Nearby Words

breathes (out)
breathing
breathing (out)
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Cite this Entry

“Breathing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/breathing. Accessed 23 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on breathing

Nglish: Translation of breathing for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about breathing

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