crab 1 of 2

noun

Definition of crabnext
as in bear
an irritable and complaining person you're always such a crab in the morning!

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

crab

2 of 2

verb

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
Noun
Gunther trapped Cody in a half-crab after the final commercial break. — Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 18 July 2026 In recent decades, the Mediterranean waters have warmed to temperatures that allow the blue crabs to reproduce more successfully — sometimes multiple times within a single breeding season. — Kasha Patel, CNN Money, 18 July 2026
Verb
For example, since both axles have the same degrees of steering, the Zoox robotaxi can crab walk far more effectively than the GM Hummer EV performing its party trick. — Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 28 Apr. 2026 The Broncos chose to be strategic, their offseason a laser, not a crabbing net. — Troy Renck, Denver Post, 25 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for crab
Recent Examples of Synonyms for crab
  1. bear
  2. complain
  3. damage
  4. complainer
  5. scream
  6. injure
  7. crank
  8. whine
Noun
  • They are advised to remain at least 100 yards away from bears, wolves and cougars.
    — Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 13 July 2026
  • The video shows the bear rushing Koerwitz, who grabs a can of bear spray and shoots it at the bear.
    — David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 13 July 2026
Definition of bear
Verb
  • Rodriguez said in a May phone interview with the Herald that detainees had been complaining when a guard approached him and told him to walk out of the cage where he and other men were housed.
    — Churchill Ndonwie, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 July 2026
  • At the local level, administrators often complain there is little clarity on what is expected of them and, too often, outright conflict.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 13 July 2026
Definition of complain
Verb
  • Electrical generation units were damaged in the attack, Kuwait’s Ministry of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy said in a statement.
    — Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 17 July 2026
  • The city of La Guaira has borne the brunt of the devastation, though the capital city of Caracas has also seen buildings damaged and evacuated by the hundreds and essential services knocked out.
    — Cristina Guevara, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 July 2026
Definition of damage
Noun
  • Are they deluded into thinking that the complainers are just a squeaky wheel minority and the majority of fans are happy with it?
    — Jeremy Rutherford, New York Times, 13 July 2026
  • 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.
    — Sarah Scott, Parents, 10 June 2026
Definition of complainer
Verb
  • The straw materials practically scream summer, crafted to go with all of your beach looks this season.
    — Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 15 July 2026
  • Usher went on to remove his leather jacket to reveal a sculpted bare torso, to screams of delight from much of the audience.
    — Simon Vozick-Levinson, Rolling Stone, 13 July 2026
Definition of scream
Verb
  • Utah Jazz guard Trey Alexander was taken from the court on stretcher Monday night after appearing to injure his side on a drive to the basket in an NBA Summer League game against the Chicago Bulls.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 14 July 2026
  • With Isak returning late from the World Cup and Hugo Ekitike injured, Danns has the ideal opportunity to put himself in Iraola’s thoughts.
    — Andy Jones, New York Times, 14 July 2026
Definition of injure
Noun
  • The firefighters ultimately used a hand crank to move the elevator, and Wallace told the outlet that the museum gave the everyone lifetime free passes in return.
    — Liza Esquibias, USA Today, 10 July 2026
  • The crank makes opening and closing easy, and the cloth is UV-resistant and waterproof.
    — Shea Simmons, Southern Living, 3 July 2026
Definition of crank
Verb
  • The snippet ends just as the cat whines and tucks its head beneath the barrier, not far from the officer filming the scene.
    — Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 13 July 2026
  • After a few casts, Rubye’s rod bent, and the reel whined as line spooled out.
    — John Todd, Outdoor Life, 9 July 2026
Definition of whine

Browse Nearby Words

cozy
crab
crabbed
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Cite this Entry

“Crab.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/crab. Accessed 19 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on crab

Nglish: Translation of crab for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about crab

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