Synonyms of grumble

grumble 1 of 2

noun

as in whine

an expression of dissatisfaction, pain, or resentment

a chorus of moans and grumbles when they found out that the overnight camping trip had been cancelled

Synonyms & Similar Words

• whine
• moan
• complaint
• fuss
• lament
• bitch
• grievance
• whimper
• gripe
• murmur
• squawk
• grouse
• wail
• whinge
• bleat
• carp
• holler
• yammer
• kvetch
• beef
• protest
• plaint
• grouch
• objection
• quibble
• miserere
• challenge
• demur
• stink
• remonstrance
• expostulation
• niggle
• kick

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• praise
• compliment
• commendation
• applause
• approval
• plaudit
• acclaim
• sanction
• endorsement

grumble

2 of 2

verb

ˈgrəm-bəl 

1

as in to complain

to express dissatisfaction, pain, or resentment usually tiresomely

he grumbled about how sore his feet were after standing all day

Synonyms & Similar Words

• complain
• scream
• whine
• moan
• mutter
• worry
• growl
• murmur
• cry
• squeal
• squawk
• whimper
• bitch
• kick
• nag
• gripe
• whinge
• wail
• inveigh
• grouse
• kvetch
• repine
• holler
• bleat
• keen
• bellyache
• yammer
• beef
• grump
• caterwaul
• fuss
• grouch
• croak
• kick up a fuss
• grizzle
• carp
• protest
• yowl
• crab
• yawp
• sob
• maunder
• quibble
• cavil
• quarrel (with)
• object (to)
• lament
• fret
• bemoan
• bewail
• stew
• blubber
• deplore

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• rejoice
• delight
• accept
• tolerate
• take
• endure
• bear
• crow
• cheer
• applaud
• commend
• countenance

2

as in to growl

to make a low heavy rolling sound

heavily loaded trucks grumbling as they passed over the steel bridge

Synonyms & Similar Words

• growl
• rumble
• roll
• thunder
• lumber
• drum
• bellow
• boom

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of grumble

Noun

Beyond the pedestrianized streets and bike lanes, the familiar cacophony of drivers honking their frustration is, if anything, louder than ever — as are the grumbles from those who rely on buses now snarled in endless jams. — Lisa Courbebaisse, CNN Money, 21 Mar. 2026

Still, for distributors and exhibitors in the United States, bringing foreign-language films to theaters sometimes seems like an act of philanthropy, while French sales agent grumble about the low sales prices. — Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 9 Mar. 2026

Verb

To do so, the chain has invested in labor and renovations to its coffee houses, earning some grumbling from investors. — Amelia Lucas, CNBC, 29 July 2026

Drummer Jay Russell kept to stark rattles, Sam Shipstone patched in his scratchy electric guitar, and Ryan Needham needled through grumbling basslines. — Victoria Borlando, Pitchfork, 24 July 2026