groping

[ groh-ping ]
See synonyms for groping on Thesaurus.com
adjective
  1. moving or going about clumsily or hesitantly; stumbling.

  2. showing or reflecting a desire to understand, especially something that proves puzzling: a groping scrutiny; a groping expression.

Origin of groping

1
Middle English word dating back to 1300–50; see origin at grope, -ing2

Other words from groping

  • grop·ing·ly, adverb

Words Nearby groping

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use groping in a sentence

  • Instead, Republicans are groping for answers as the slow march toward the fiscal cliff leaves them ever more divided.

  • groping to the chimney-place with the aid of his matches, Mr. Collingwood found the candle and lit it.

    The Boarded-Up House | Augusta Huiell Seaman
  • Donny found himself, dazed and alone, upon the cross-ties, groping toward the oncoming train.

    A Lost Hero | Elizabeth Stuart Phelps Ward and Herbert D. Ward
  • groping his way with half-closed eyes back to the bed, he falls again into a heavy, dreamless slumber.

    Uncanny Tales | Various
  • They went into the haunted house then, groping their way in the darkness, for they had left their own lantern in the dory.

    The Rival Campers | Ruel Perley Smith
  • She knew the spot well, and groping for the wall, she stood breathless and spray-beaten beside the gulf.

    Marriage la mode | Mrs. Humphry Ward