Synonyms for

Breathe

Verb / bri:ð / Another word for breathe — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

to take air into and then expel it from one's lungs

Synonyms & similar words

passoff takeabreath emit takeabreather suspire respire rest catchonesbreath inhale exhale respire pant suffocate gas blow

Synonyms by register

Formal

respire inhale exhale

Informal

pant gasp puff

Literary

draw breath take air

Antonyms

suffocate choke stifle gag hold one's breath

Common collocations

  • breathe deeply
  • breathe in
  • breathe out
  • breathe freely
  • breathe life into
  • breathe fire
  • hard to breathe
  • take a breath

Word family

noun breath
verb breathe
adjective breathy

Usage note

While 'breathe' refers to the act of respiration, 'breath' is the noun for the air inhaled or exhaled. Avoid confusing the two.

Example sentences

  1. I need to breathe deeply to calm down.
  2. After running, I was breathing heavily.
  3. Fish breathe through gills.
  4. I hold my breath when I go underwater.
  5. It's important to breathe fresh air.

Quotes

  • "Just breathe." - Unknown
  • "Breathing is the greatest pleasure in life." - Giovanni Papini
  • "Breathe in experience, breathe out poetry." - Muriel Rukeyser

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