gropes

verb

present tense third-person singular of grope
as in fumbles
to search for something blindly or uncertainly she groped in her purse for her car keys groping for the right answer

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 gropes In the video, a woman exposes herself and an officer, identified by investigators as Herman, gropes her, police said in a statement last year. — Kirsten Fiscus, Nashville Tennessean, 15 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gropes
  1. fumbles
  2. looks
  3. reaches
Verb
  • Warriors fumbles the ball away at their 47-yard line on kick return.
    — Buddy Collings, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Sims catches a hitch and turns up field but fumbles the ball while switching hands.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of fumbles
Verb
  • The result looks understated yet eye-catching—precisely because long nails usually scream for an elaborate manicure.
    — Paula Oelbaum, Glamour, 23 Aug. 2026
  • If a reproduction looks too shiny, Quinn suggests using a matte spray to tone down the finish.
    — Angelika Pokovba, Martha Stewart, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of looks
Verb
  • The microscopic amoeba thrives in warm freshwater and can cause a neurological infection when water containing the amoeba rushes through the nose and reaches the brain, according to the state health department.
    — Diego Mendoza, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2026
  • In a bit of coincidence, Keith reaches very special – but very different – milestones on both rosters with what has turned out to be one of the most important projects in his discography.
    — Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of reaches

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groped
gropes
groping
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Cite this Entry

“Gropes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gropes. Accessed 24 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on gropes

Nglish: Translation of gropes for Spanish Speakers

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