MURMUR Synonyms: 125 Similar and Opposite Words

murmur 1 of 2

noun

ˈmər-mər

Definition of murmur

as in whine

an expression of dissatisfaction, pain, or resentment finished the tedious job without a murmur

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in muttering

speech that is not clear enough to be understood could just barely hear the murmurs of the audience

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murmur

2 of 2

verb

as in to complain

to express dissatisfaction, pain, or resentment usually tiresomely no prisoner dared murmur out loud

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to mutter

to speak softly and unclearly a college professor who tends to murmur

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 murmur

Noun

Loud talking or splashing can disturb other bathers, so just slip into the water and keep your conversations to a murmur. — Jessica Kozuka, Travel + Leisure, 4 July 2026 As Ghana pushed for an equalizing goal, the cheers of the Colombia faithful reverted to a nervous murmur. — Christian Marshall, Kansas City Star, 4 July 2026

Verb

There are also murmurs about the US government wanting a stake in the company. — Jibin Joseph, PC Magazine, 11 June 2026 Alejo listens carefully, occasionally offering a tissue or murmuring consolations. — Megan Greenwell, Bloomberg, 9 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for murmur

Recent Examples of Synonyms for murmur

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

When John finally reunites with Hal (who charges the ring against the lantern while quickly muttering his oath), the frustrated protégé immediately confronts his teacher with all the suspicions he was meant to keep secret.

— Siddhant Adlakha, Vulture, 24 Aug. 2026
That’s when Way mutters the p-word — under his breath for plausible deniability, but certainly still with the intention of being heard, smirking at the sound of my laughter.

— Selome Hailu, Variety, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of mutter

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

Noun

And in recent weeks, concerns about that history — including accusations of nonpayment and unlicensed screenings at the Kingsway — have traveled west through something of an industry whisper network, increasingly spilling into public view.

— Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 26 Aug. 2026
Higher still The whisper numbers are higher still, with analysts and traders thinking third-quarter sales guidance could reach $107 billion to $108 billion, and even as high as $110 billion.

— Tobias Burns, CNBC, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of whisper

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

Verb

The convex-concave curves of the open and closed parentheses cup something said by the way, whisperings, secrets mouthed into the reader’s ear, mumbled under the author’s breath.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 18 Aug. 2026
Later that day, Rowley was drenched in sweat, rocking back and forth and mumbling incoherently as the poison – later identified as Novichok, a Russian nerve agent – took hold of him, too.

— Faith Karimi, CNN Money, 11 July 2026

Definition of mumble

Browse Nearby Words

murky

murmur

murmured

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Style

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

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Synonyms of murmur

noun

verb

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