gape 1 of 2

noun

Definition of gapenext
as in stare
a fixed intent look I told him to stop staring, that his rather stupid gape was annoying

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gape

2 of 2

verb

ˈgāp How to pronounce gape (audio)
as in to stare
to look long and hard in wonder or surprise she suddenly realized she had been gaping at the good-looking waiter instead of giving him her order

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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 gape
Noun
But this means a snake’s overall mouth size expands in conjunction with the larger diameter, says researchers, who add this means a 10.2-in gape increases its total area by 40-percent. — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 24 Oct. 2024 His mistakes are his fumbling misstatements and his inability to control his gape on-camera and his willingness to stoop to Trump’s level (late in the debate mocking Trump’s weight), a strategy that has not once worked. — Daniel D'addario, Variety, 28 June 2024
Verb
No gaping roster holes allows Ravens to stick to best-player-available approach There are still areas that the Ravens need to add depth and starting competition. — Jeff Zrebiec, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025 In some lobbies, the buttons for elevators that service the lower floors are missing and instead have a gaping rectangular hole exposing the wiring. — Jessica Guynn, USA TODAY, 25 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for gape
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gape
  1. stare
  2. gawk
  3. gaze
  4. eye
Noun
  • In another legend, the monk was said to have cut off his eyelids to avoid falling asleep during his meditation, one explanation for the doll’s wide-eyed stare.
    — Rebecca Cairns, CNN Money, 8 Apr. 2025
  • And how many times can June give the camera a hard stare and twisty smile only to end up nearly dead?
    — Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 8 Apr. 2025
Definition of stare
Verb
  • Then, after the arranging was complete, came that fleeting and glorious moment: The crowd gawked and took photos of the 1,387 cakes, both sweet and savory, in their pristine, unsliced form.
    — Simon J. Levien, New York Times, 30 Mar. 2025
  • About 20 minutes later, however, the whirring device crept back to gawk some more at her personal space.
    — James Hibberd, The Hollywood Reporter, 21 Mar. 2025
Definition of gawk
Noun
  • Khalil turned to look at her and then returned his gaze to the front of the room.
    — Armando Garcia, ABC News, 8 Apr. 2025
  • In the aftermath of the HBO series' season 3 finale, Goggins appeared Tuesday morning on Live With Kelly & Mark for an interview about the episode's epic drama, but his gaze also apparently caused quite a stir backstage at the talk show.
    — Joey Nolfi, EW.com, 8 Apr. 2025
Definition of gaze
Noun
  • To implement the policy, staff members were told to keep an eye on visitors, and check in to see if individuals are waiting on mobile orders, meeting someone, or other scenarios.
    — Saleen Martin, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2025
  • In the eyes of the administration, the order is about more than education reform.
    — Dan Fitzpatrick, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025
Definition of eye

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Cite this Entry

“Gape.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gape. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.

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