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

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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

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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 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
  1. vocal
  2. complaining
  3. blatant
  4. screaming
  5. outspoken
  6. whining
  7. vociferous
  8. moaning
Adjective
  • Together, Clancy’s vocal, physical and written messages offered key insights into her perspective in the second week of her trial on three counts of murder in the killings of her children Cora, 5; Dawson, 3; and Callan, 8 months.
    — Andi Babineau, CNN Money, 8 Aug. 2026
  • Elevating other leaders that are on our team to be more vocal out there.
    — Aaron Heisen, Daily News, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of vocal
Verb
  • Our Good Question email inbox is filled right now with several people complaining about hearing swear words in political ads.
    — Jeff Wagner, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Residents of Studio City have been complaining about screams echoing down the Cahuenga Pass during this soft opening period.
    — Bethy Squires, Vulture, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of complaining
Adjective
  • This blatant fealty over objectivity perverts the process by choosing personal loyalists instead of independent public servants.
    — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 6 Aug. 2026
  • New assistant coach Alice Chilton is a blatant remodeling of Roy Kent — a brusque ex-soccer player who’s reluctant to engage with Ted’s tomfoolery or personal prodding — but Tanya Reynolds’ performance is equal turns wounded and witty.
    — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of blatant
Verb
  • The ‘Ginger Prince’ also scored the goal which prompted the loudest atmosphere at Old Trafford so far this century, a 25-yard screaming half-volley against Barcelona in the 2008 Champions League semi-final second leg, the only goal across both legs.
    — Andy Mitten, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Dispatchers heard gunshots and screaming on the other end of the line.
    — Mark Dee, Idaho Statesman, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of screaming
Adjective
  • Burry has been among Wall Street’s most outspoken skeptics of the artificial intelligence boom, arguing that demand for AI infrastructure is being fueled by financing arrangements that may prove unsustainable.
    — Anniek Bao, CNBC, 6 Aug. 2026
  • There is outspoken criticism within Israel as well as around the world.
    — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of outspoken
Verb
  • The fact that a prominent world leader has been desperately hoping (some might say whining) for a Nobel Peace Prize is not lost on Bang.
    — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 5 Aug. 2026
  • Like nails on a chalkboard, whining—an irritating blend of talking and crying—has the ability to make almost any parent either lose their temper or cave.
    — Debby Waldman, Parents, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of whining
Adjective
  • Fittingly, he’s also remembered at the new stadium, Longhurst’s name and image staring down from the back wall of the South Stand, where York’s most vociferous fans congregate.
    — Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Gómez González had been known as a vociferous antagonist of loggers.
    — Vann R. Newkirk II, The Atlantic, 28 July 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

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Cite this Entry

“Caterwauling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/caterwauling. Accessed 11 Aug. 2026.

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