Definition of palpitatenext
as in to throb
to expand and contract in a rhythmic manner the man's heart began to palpitate, and he feared another attack was coming on

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 palpitate The heart-palpitating rhythms and glitchy stutters suggest some unholy mix of early Plastikman and Mark Fell, the vestiges of ’90s dance music reanimated into a herky-jerky Frankenstein’s monster. Andrew Ryce, Pitchfork, 4 Aug. 2026 But two sweaty and heart-palpitating afternoons at Foley Field spoke a truth about Georgia, bound for the College World Series for the first time since 2008. Ken Sugiura, AJC.com, 8 June 2026 The finale had the impossible task of putting the monstrous show to an unquiet grave, and while some storylines seemed rushed and others completely ignored, even everyone’s least favorite season of GOT is heart palpitating. Taylor Antrim, Vogue, 31 Jan. 2025 The matte, phosphorescent sigils painted onto his robe appeared to palpitate in the low light. Kent Russell, Harper’s Magazine , 25 May 2022 In one of the raciest vignettes, a man buys and eats fresh dumplings on a train, intermittently palpitating his sore gums with his fingers. Sophie Pinkham, The New York Review of Books, 8 May 2020 Angelica Hernández's heart hasn't stopped palpitating for a week. Author: Arelis R. Hernández, Cristina Corujo, Anchorage Daily News, 12 Jan. 2020 Angelica Hernández’s heart hasn’t stopped palpitating for a week. Washington Post, 11 Jan. 2020 The past three seasons, their games were marked by palpitating comebacks. New York Times, 23 Nov. 2019
Recent Examples of Synonyms for palpitate
Verb
  • No sweating, throbbing headache and skin that’s hot, red and dry are signs of heatstroke.
    Lina Ruiz, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Aug. 2026
  • The first is pique, a sharp, vinegary hot sauce that throbs with the heat of Thai chiles.
    Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 30 July 2026
Verb
  • She had been beaten and stabbed inside her home, and her body was then placed in the trunk of her car.
    Brett Barrouquere, Arkansas Online, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Tysie Gallagher, Terri Harper and Caroline Dubois beat Americans Brandi Robinson, Miranda Reyes and Amelia Moore, respectively, earlier in the night, while Reina Tellez defeated Jessica Barry for the United States’ only victory.
    Amelie Claydon, New York Times, 30 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • During a mental-coaching session, Tibetan sound bowls vibrate softly across my abdomen.
    Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 23 Aug. 2026
  • Every time my phone vibrates with a new text from him and my screen lights up with his name, a shot of serotonin goes straight to my heart.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 21 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • To grind them yourself, pulse in a blender or food processor until lightly ground.
    Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Aug. 2026
  • And in doing so, everything gradually registers — the cadence of campus life, the pride pulsing through students and alumni, the weight of the institution’s history.
    Ira Gorawara, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Palpitate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/palpitate. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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