breathless

adjective

ˈbreth-ləs How to pronounce breathless (audio)
Definition of breathlessnext
1
as in close
lacking fresh air the room was hot and breathless

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in rapid
moving, proceeding, or acting with great speed ran at a breathless pace to get help

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in fallen
no longer living carried the breathless body of his beloved dog back home

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 breathless Another excellent solo goal by Jude Bellingham ultimately secured third place for Thomas Tuchel’s side in a breathless match that offered entertainment beyond comparison. — Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 20 July 2026 One of the best things about this episode’s edit is the sharp contrast between the players’ breathless race up and down the line of rooms and shots of the more relaxed atmosphere in any room that isn’t actively in use. — Tasha Robinson, Vulture, 14 July 2026 Physical comedy and razor-sharp wit collide in this carnival of theatrical surprises — a masterful blend of classic French farce and contemporary slapstick that will leave audiences breathless with laughter, the news release states. — News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 July 2026 However, extravagant demands from government litigators are better suited to generate breathless headlines than favorable court rulings. — David B McGarry, Oc Register, 8 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for breathless
Recent Examples of Synonyms for breathless
  1. close
  2. rapid
  3. fallen
  4. suffocating
  5. brisk
  6. dead
  7. stifling
  8. quick
Adjective
  • The technology, used in all Metro Nashville Public Schools, didn’t spot the weapon because the shooter wasn’t close enough to cameras for the system to get an accurate read and activate the alarm, the district said.
    — Cindy Von Quednow, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2026
  • June 21 – July 22 A plan with someone close may need to fit what serves you close to home.
    — Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of close
Adjective
  • Fire officials said the combination of dry brush and strong winds fueled the blaze's rapid growth.
    — Christopher Cann, USA Today, 25 Aug. 2026
  • The quarterback struggles in camp bring into the realm of possibility Dolphins general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan seeking an outside backup option off the waiver wire following roster cuts if Ewers doesn’t show rapid improvement.
    — David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of rapid
Adjective
  • Kneeling beside the fallen buck, Charles, an avid trophy bowhunter, ran his hands over the gigantic rack.
    — Jeff Murray, Outdoor Life, 20 Aug. 2026
  • The rules ban all plants within a foot of the home and require the first five feet around homes to be free of combustible materials such as firewood, fallen leaves and branches, and mulch or wood chips.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of fallen
Adjective
  • The Valkyries won their third straight game, defeating the Sparks 78-58 behind a suffocating defensive performance.
    — Nathan Canilao, Mercury News, 16 June 2026
  • The Fleet played a suffocating style of hockey, with a strong forecheck and the ability to wear down opponents with relentless offensive-zone pressure.
    — Hailey Salvian, New York Times, 16 June 2026
Definition of suffocating
Adjective
  • Set physical activity goals and prioritize exercise, including both aerobic activities such as brisk walking, cycling or swimming, along with strength training.
    — Faye Chiu, CNN Money, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Fredericson recommends simple, everyday activities such as brisk neighborhood walks, gardening, cycling, bodyweight exercises and even parking farther from the entrance at the grocery store.
    — Daryl Austin, USA Today, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of brisk
Adjective
  • The male victim was taken to an area hospital, where he was pronounced dead, police said.
    — Jason Green, Mercury News, 22 Aug. 2026
  • The driver of the Impala, 21-year-old Zachary Sikora from Van Buren Township, was pronounced dead at the scene.
    — DeJanay Booth-Singleton, CBS News, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of dead
Adjective
  • For all the deserved talk about the Knicks’ dynamic offense, the defense has been far more stifling than their reputation suggests.
    — Fred Katz, New York Times, 15 May 2026
  • Her mother, who had a staid upbringing in California, came to New York in the early sixties looking for someplace more diverse and less stifling.
    — Molly Fischer, New Yorker, 2 Apr. 2026
Definition of stifling
Adjective
  • As Vogue Business reported last year, brands were quick to adjust their playbooks as GLP-1 use became increasingly widespread.
    — Perdita Nouril, Vogue, 21 Aug. 2026
  • But uncovering the identity of the decades-old body would not be quick work.
    — Elizabeth Wolfe, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of quick

Browse Nearby Words

breathing (out)
breathless
breaths
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Breathless.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/breathless. Accessed 27 Aug. 2026.

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