CATERWAULING Synonyms: 109 Similar and Opposite Words

caterwauling 1 of 2

adjective

as in vocal

engaging in or marked by loud and insistent cries especially of protest caterwauling fans vented on the talk radio show when news of the trade of the team's star player came to light

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

caterwauling

2 of 2

verb

present participle of caterwaul

as in complaining

to express dissatisfaction, pain, or resentment usually tiresomely like many kids during summer vacation, they were caterwauling about the lack of things to do

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 caterwauling

Verb

As a musician, Ono was known for singing in what has been described as a screechy, caterwauling voice, and many of her musical collaborations with Lennon were baffling to Beatles fans. — Barbara Spindel, Christian Science Monitor, 24 Mar. 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for caterwauling

Adjective

The undulating synth lead seems tailored to mimic the tone and timbre of a classical Indian singer, a comparison borne out by the occasional flashes of vocal sample peeking through the mix.

— Philip Sherburne, Pitchfork, 18 July 2026
The director largely utilizes Stewart’s vocal strengths in his projects.

— Emma Urdangen, PEOPLE, 18 July 2026

Definition of vocal

Verb

In short order, users started complaining about multiple system reboots rather than the one expected with a security update.

— Davey Winder, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026
Nights in a restaurant are often spent describing flavors, in sensory attention—at least when they aren’t filled with flirting with your coworkers or complaining about guests.

— Kyle Lucia Wu, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 July 2026

Definition of complaining

Adjective

The first four players who played a backwards pass were met with a blatant elbow into the back.

— Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 18 July 2026
Too often international agencies are established with seemingly noble purposes but end up descending into blatant politicization that mocks their original intent.

— Steve Forbes, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026

Definition of blatant

Verb

After securing the victory over Argentina on Sunday, Yamal’s little brother, Keyne, could be seen running straight into his soccer star brother’s arms and screaming with joy over the win.

— Bailey Richards, PEOPLE, 20 July 2026
The key is to train the mind to relax, just chill, even though somebody’s at the doorbell, even though somebody’s walking into the kitchen, little kids screaming through the house.

— Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 20 July 2026

Definition of screaming

Adjective

Mahmoud Nabavian, an outspoken radical lawmaker, asked on X days before Khamenei’s funeral.

— Mostafa Salem, CNN Money, 18 July 2026
The remarks drew criticism from Fine, who has emerged as one of Vance’s most outspoken Republican critics on Israel.

— Samantha-Jo Roth, The Washington Examiner, 16 July 2026

Definition of outspoken

Adjective

Like Eala, his matches are chock-a-block with soccer-style flag waving, face painting and vociferous cheering.

— Douglas Robson, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026
Or, faced with the wrath of the huge Baby Boom generation — who tend to be voters and vociferous — will Congress act in time?

— Terry Savage, Chicago Tribune, 26 June 2026

Definition of vociferous

Verb

Swinging his hips, moaning into the mic and briefly getting promiscuous with a mic stand was the authenticity that the majority-millennial crowd expected.

— Sophie Lindberg July 11, Kansas City Star, 12 July 2026
Federal officers stand over a man with a bloody shirt who is handcuffed face down, moaning in pain as his left foot shakes.

— Andrea Castillo, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2026

Definition of moaning

Browse Nearby Words

caterwauled

caterwauling

caterwauls

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Caterwauling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/caterwauling. Accessed 22 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of caterwauling

adjective

verb

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

stalwart

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Do you 'say your piece' or 'say your peace'?

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Commonly Misspelled Words

Popular in Wordplay

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

The Longest Long Words List

Ten Words Ending with a Silent ‘T’

Why do we say 'fly off the handle'?

Popular

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

Games & Quizzes