GRUMBLE Synonyms: 95 Similar and Opposite Words

grumble 1 of 2

noun

Definition of grumble

as in whine

an expression of dissatisfaction, pain, or resentment a chorus of moans and grumbles when they found out that the overnight camping trip had been cancelled

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

grumble

2 of 2

verb

ˈgrəm-bəl

as in to complain

to express dissatisfaction, pain, or resentment usually tiresomely he grumbled about how sore his feet were after standing all day

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to growl

to make a low heavy rolling sound heavily loaded trucks grumbling as they passed over the steel bridge

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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 grumble

Noun

Beyond the pedestrianized streets and bike lanes, the familiar cacophony of drivers honking their frustration is, if anything, louder than ever — as are the grumbles from those who rely on buses now snarled in endless jams. — Lisa Courbebaisse, CNN Money, 21 Mar. 2026 Still, for distributors and exhibitors in the United States, bringing foreign-language films to theaters sometimes seems like an act of philanthropy, while French sales agent grumble about the low sales prices. — Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 9 Mar. 2026

Verb

Aside from social media posts complaining about the war’s fallout and some grumbling from oligarchs about the Kremlin seizing their assets, there are still no signs of any widespread popular unrest against Vladimir Putin’s regime. — Jason Ma, Fortune, 3 Aug. 2026 Drummer Jay Russell kept to stark rattles, Sam Shipstone patched in his scratchy electric guitar, and Ryan Needham needled through grumbling basslines. — Victoria Borlando, Pitchfork, 24 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for grumble

Recent Examples of Synonyms for grumble

Noun

Meanwhile, turbo noise fills the cabin alongside the odd electric motor whine.

— Matthew MacConnell, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
That is, until you are subjected to the relentless whine of mosquitoes.

— Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 30 June 2026

Definition of whine

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
Undermining an alliance Coupang is not the first American company to complain of targeting by South Korean regulators.

— Justin Papp, CNBC, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of complain

Verb

Since then, Barkley has growled at several other people, and all but one have been diagnosed with some type of cancer, Dozier said.

— Becca Savransky, Idaho Statesman, 11 Aug. 2026
At the other end of our road, the cranes of the docks loomed — great Stothert and Pitt machines that growled overhead like something out of Star Wars, guarding the scale and mystery of the River Thames.

— Lee Clayton, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of growl

Noun

In the decades after his death, Johnson’s loose playing and harrowing moans set American music on a path that would encompass Chuck Berry, Bob Dylan, even Nas.

— Steven Johnson, Washington Post, 14 July 2026
Sweet tweets, soft moans, the distant caw of a shore bird piloting toward the sea, spirited and hopeful, daylight already breaking through.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 13 July 2026

Definition of moan

Verb

Otherwise, there’s definitely a family-friendly element to the hotel (the whole storybook feel screams childhood), though the food options may be a little bit advanced for a kids’ palate.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Aug. 2026
His career numbers – 24 touchdown passes against 22 interceptions – hardly scream program savior.

— Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of scream

Noun

Grannell has made other threats this year, beginning five months ago, according to the account of an FBI special agent that is described in a criminal complaint.

— Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Aug. 2026
The first ethics complaint was filed last Friday by an employee of the City Attorney's Office who also asked to remain anonymous.

— Brian Maass, CBS News, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of complaint

Browse Nearby Words

gruffness

grumble

grumbled

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Style

“Grumble.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grumble. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of grumble

noun

verb

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