BELLYACHING Synonyms: 70 Similar and Opposite Words

bellyaching

verb

present participle of bellyache

as in complaining

to express dissatisfaction, pain, or resentment usually tiresomely tired of the kids bellyaching every time they're asked to mow the lawn or take out the trash

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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 bellyaching You guys have dealt with bellyaching about creative license, as has The Odyssey and Resident Evil. — Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 19 Aug. 2026 Public bellyaching sessions — sorry, hearings — have already begun, and the next ones will be held on May 2, 4, and 28. — Christopher Bonanos, Curbed, 30 Apr. 2026 The phrase on the front led the group to burst into a bellyaching laughter. — Kansas City Star, 24 Mar. 2026 So stop the bleating and bellyaching over Bronzeville. — Colleen Kujawa, Chicago Tribune, 18 Mar. 2026 But alas, developers Game Freak have opted to improve the aesthetics just enough to skirt online bellyaching rather than making any attempt to wow fans. — Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 24 Sep. 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for bellyaching

Verb

The sport is now on TV every night of the week these days—and unlike some traditionalists, football-loving families aren’t complaining.

— Beth Ann Mayer, Parents, 1 Sep. 2026
Even before the eighth inning on Sunday, Flemming spent a great deal of time complaining on the WEEI broadcast.

— Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of complaining

Verb

For now, however, the company that produces Flock cameras is holding off on technology that can register screaming and perhaps even speech.

— Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 31 Aug. 2026
Harry Styles didn’t need to name-drop Taylor Swift to get his Madison Square Garden crowd screaming.

— Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of screaming

Verb

The state compared Atrium to a soccer team whining about the referees.

— Bob Herman, STAT, 18 Aug. 2026
The epic whining heard across MLB over the Tarik Skubal acquisition is evidence Andrew Friedman and Dodgers management are a masterclass in demonstrating creative leadership to cultivate a winning ballclub.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 8 Aug. 2026

Definition of whining

Verb

Hall wrote in his report that Hamilton lay down in the backseat of the police vehicle, moaning and not responding, prompting first responders to give him Narcan.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 14 Aug. 2026
Video released by the Milwaukie Police Department shows Descamps sprawled in a hospital bed, his body limp, moaning and drooling, while medical staff stood nearby.

— Brian Mann, NPR, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of moaning

Browse Nearby Words

bellyaches

bellyaching

belly flop

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“Bellyaching.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bellyaching. Accessed 3 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of bellyaching

verb

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