as in bear
an irritable and complaining person
you're always such a crab in the morning!
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in to complain
to express dissatisfaction, pain, or resentment usually tiresomely
their two-year-old whined and crabbed for the whole car trip
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to damage
to reduce the soundness, effectiveness, or perfection of
crabbed the blossoming romance by becoming moody and demanding
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 crab
Jamila Robinson,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
29 June 2026
In 1776, seafood such as rockfish and crab dominated the diets of many early colonists in Maryland.
—
Ava Berger,
NPR,
28 June 2026
Troy Renck,
Denver Post,
25 Apr. 2026
Guests can fish or crab off the hotel's docks or have a picnic on the lawn.
—
Betsy Cribb Watson,
Southern Living,
19 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for crab
Noun
That crab dish reminds me of Sundays spent with friends at the waterfront Maine Avenue Fish Market in Washington, DC.
—
Jamila Robinson,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
29 June 2026
In 1776, seafood such as rockfish and crab dominated the diets of many early colonists in Maryland.
—
Ava Berger,
NPR,
28 June 2026
Verb
The Broncos chose to be strategic, their offseason a laser, not a crabbing net.
—
Troy Renck,
Denver Post,
25 Apr. 2026
Guests can fish or crab off the hotel's docks or have a picnic on the lawn.
—
Betsy Cribb Watson,
Southern Living,
19 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for crab
Recent Examples of Synonyms for crab
Noun
-
Ron Magill, a conservation liaison with Zoo Miami Foundation, told ABC News that bears can feel threatened or competitive with other animals like dogs.
-
Authorities in northern Aomori prefecture said on Monday that a man found dead on a mountain that day may have been attacked by a bear.
Verb
-
Even Hakimi didn't complain, instead giving van de Ven a dap of respect.
-
The document complains about trade, customs officers, juryless courts, and judges’ salaries.
Verb
-
Some of these storms could be severe and deliver damaging wind gusts, but any thunderstorm will contain lightning — a major danger for any outdoor activities, especially for anyone trying to escape the heat in or on the water.
-
Diseases that damage the kidneys and impair their ability to filter blood were blamed for 55,081 deaths in 2024.
Noun
-
Instead of pushing through pain and not speaking up for fear they'll be labeled weak or a complainer, this generation is more inclined to listen to their bodies, advocate for themselves, and address the issue through the proper resources.
-
However, the Lakers are complainers to begin with and have always gotten a favorable whistle.
Verb
-
Police said that after the girl screamed, the video shows a man getting into his vehicle and driving away.
-
The couple’s relationship began with a friendship bracelet and a podcast shout-out in July 2023, and by September Swift was screaming profanities in support of her new favorite football player.
Verb
-
The Jackson County charges came after police accused Sanchez-Munoz in a series of shootings in Kansas City that left one man, Jeremy Keenan, dead and four others injured on June 16.
-
French and Ukrainian media reported that a Ukrainian magnate and his family were those injured.
Noun
-
Remember, Slate’s promising something with no screens and crank windows; even Ford’s fairly spartan Maverick pickup has that spec sheet handily beat.
-
There are many worse things, though, than being a well-meaning crank.
Verb
-
And that’s nothing to whine about.
-
Jessie whines about the good old days all the time — how fun is that?
Cite this Entry
“Crab.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/crab. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
