Synonyms

gripping

American

[grip-ing] / ˈgrɪp ɪŋ /

adjective

holding the attention or interest intensely; fascinating; enthralling.

a gripping play; a gripping book.

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of gripping

First recorded in 1620–30; grip + -ing ²

Vocabulary lists containing gripping

12 More Interesting Ways to Say "interesting"

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

Spelling Practice 1, Unit 1

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Gripping the bar, he’d effortlessly curl whichever weight I’d used, doing at least 20 repetitions.

From Slate • Jul. 29, 2023

Gripping a Taco Bell Drag Brunch-branded folding fan, she declared her first drag show “breathtaking.”

From New York Times • May 27, 2022

Gripping her seat, she smiled for a photograph.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 28, 2021

Gripping a megaphone, Boyega, 28, was often overwhelmed with emotion as fellow protesters encouraged him to stay strong.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 4, 2020

Gripping it as tightly as she could between two fingers, Kate stretched just a tiny bit further.

From "The Mysterious Benedict Society" by Trenton Lee Stewart

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023