as in breathtaking
causing great emotional or mental stimulation
the movie's climax is a heart-stopping chase through the streets of San Francisco
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Recent Examples of heart-stopping
The wooden coaster has carried more than 27 million riders over its time and brings heart-stopping views of the Ozarks, while also being one of the longest-running wooden coasters in the nation.
—
Josh Kelly, Oklahoman, 21 Feb. 2026
From here, hiking trails trace ancient routes used by shepherds and traders, edging along precipices with heart-stopping views into the void below.
—Anna Zacharias, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Jan. 2026
Tuffy’s 16 saves in the third, including a pair of heart-stopping stuffs in the final minute, sealed a memorable performance.
—Tom Mulherin, Boston Herald, 21 Jan. 2026
Unlike a heart-stopping fourth-quarter rally against Baltimore that earned them their first AFC North title since 2020, this time there was no late-game magic from Rodgers and the Steelers.
—Will Graves, Twin Cities, 13 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for heart-stopping
Josh Kelly, Oklahoman, 21 Feb. 2026
From here, hiking trails trace ancient routes used by shepherds and traders, edging along precipices with heart-stopping views into the void below.
—Anna Zacharias, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Jan. 2026
Tuffy’s 16 saves in the third, including a pair of heart-stopping stuffs in the final minute, sealed a memorable performance.
—Tom Mulherin, Boston Herald, 21 Jan. 2026
Unlike a heart-stopping fourth-quarter rally against Baltimore that earned them their first AFC North title since 2020, this time there was no late-game magic from Rodgers and the Steelers.
—Will Graves, Twin Cities, 13 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for heart-stopping
Recent Examples of Synonyms for heart-stopping
Adjective
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Few journeys bring you as close to this breathtaking landscape as the Rocky Mountaineer, a train that threads through canyons, forests, and mountain passes.—
Taryn White,
Travel + Leisure,
27 Apr. 2026
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Time honoree Nikki Glaser is breathtaking in baby blue at the 2026 TIME100 Gala in New York City on April 23.—
Toria Sheffield,
PEOPLE,
27 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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But that exciting crash sequence — from initial turbulence through to catastrophic Pacific Ocean landing — is where high-stakes action specialist Harlin is most firmly in his sweet spot.—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
28 Apr. 2026
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Friends, networks and social circles can bring exciting connections now.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
28 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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On the grounds of an old hacienda, find a regional food buffet, a refreshing cenote, a thrilling zip-line course in the jungle, and trails for hiking and biking around the verdant estate.—
Regina Zumarraga,
Travel + Leisure,
27 Apr. 2026
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The world championship between Ding and the young Indian comes down to a thrilling final game, when both players manage to find not only inner resources but also inspiration from each other.—
Louisa Thomas,
New Yorker,
26 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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If Houston wins that one, things start to get really interesting for a 3-0 comeback.—
Dan Santaromita,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
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Orlando would scurry to get back in the game and thanks to some lucky breaks in the second half, the Storm were able to make things interesting.—
Chris Hays,
The Orlando Sentinel,
26 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Heart-stopping.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/heart-stopping. Accessed 3 May. 2026.
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