hyperventilates

verb

present tense third-person singular of hyperventilate
as in gasps
to breathe hard, quickly, or with difficulty he was so nervous he began hyperventilating, and the extra oxygen made him dizzy

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 hyperventilates Often, a swimmer takes a deep breath and hyperventilates before going under the water, causing a decrease of carbon dioxide in their body. — Chip Alexander, Charlotte Observer, 12 Aug. 2026 Belly hyperventilates and runs to the bathroom to calm down with Taylor. — Monica Mercuri, Forbes.com, 26 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hyperventilates
  1. gasps
  2. pants
Verb
  • At this, the paddock gasps in unison.
    — Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 12 June 2026
  • Another video shows Wallen walking back towards the piano, as the audience gasps and cheers in response.
    — Raven Brunner, PEOPLE, 1 June 2026
Definition of gasps
Verb
  • The Row Frima pants $3,150 Track Star The track jacket is my fall answer to fashion’s (and my personal) ongoing love affair with sport—styled with a touch of Saint Laurent and Celine polish for everyday or taken full pro athlete à la Balenciaga.
    — Minty Mellon, Vogue, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Like Fritz said, Tiafoe snatched his NBA-style pants off in one motion.
    — Merlisa Lawrence Corbett, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026
Definition of pants

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Cite this Entry

“Hyperventilates.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hyperventilates. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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