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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of grumble
Tim Spiers, New York Times, 8 Oct. 2025
Its Amazon reviews are generally positive, the only real grumble being that the tripod could be a little sturdier.
—Chris McMullen, Space.com, 7 Oct. 2025
Jon Krawczynski, New York Times, 8 Oct. 2025
And Paleo Dad grumbles but goes and picks up his spear.
—Inga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for grumble
Noun
The introduction of goal music when Chelsea score at Stamford Bridge has caused a proper kerfuffle, with an online petition and plenty of grumbles from supporters.
—Tim Spiers, New York Times, 8 Oct. 2025
Its Amazon reviews are generally positive, the only real grumble being that the tripod could be a little sturdier.
—Chris McMullen, Space.com, 7 Oct. 2025
Verb
In some ways, Finch expects players to grumble when the time isn’t readily available.
—Jon Krawczynski, New York Times, 8 Oct. 2025
And Paleo Dad grumbles but goes and picks up his spear.
—Inga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for grumble
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grumble
Noun
-
Deciphering the vocalizations involves both sound and context, as a dog’s bark or whine may be tied to its situation, Zhu said.—
Miriam Fauzia,
Boston Herald,
12 Oct. 2025
-
The unfiltered electric soundtrack of the Evija goes from a piercing whine to an ear-splitting shriek.—
Tim Pitt,
Robb Report,
6 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
In recent years, staff have complained of poor working conditions brought on by overcrowding, despite director Laurence des Cars’s 2023 move to cap attendance at 30,000 visitors daily, accompanied by a ticket price increase.—
News Desk,
Artforum,
7 Nov. 2025
-
Later that day, the parents of other dancers and talent-show participants complained that my afro had covered up their kids on-screen.—
Questlove,
The Atlantic,
7 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
In an hour’s span, three trucks leaving the construction site silenced the conversation, growling loudly down Rockland Drive.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
3 Nov. 2025
-
Instead of another room with a priest and young woman growling on the bed, the exorcisms in The Wailing are accompanied by chanting crowds, firepits, and drums beating as a great spectacle is made of the ritual.—
Michael Lee Simpson,
Entertainment Weekly,
29 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Imagine a city street at dusk, silent save for the rising sound of a collective guttural moan.—
Tom Duszynski,
The Conversation,
16 Oct. 2025
-
Stein’s bedroom adjoined the room where Dodge would visit her lover at night; kept awake by the murmurings and moans, Stein lit a candle and composed a portrait of her host.—
Via Scribner,
Literary Hub,
7 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Chuck and Jim loved the sounds of spaghetti westerns, an influence instantly recognizable in the war-cry screaming sound that permeates his score.—
Bear McCreary,
HollywoodReporter,
7 Nov. 2025
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Left to die, breathless and alone, Invisigal chokes while Robert screams from the other end of the comms.—
Christopher Cruz,
Rolling Stone,
7 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
The boats hit the Gulf of Mexico before dawn, engines rumbling out diesel smoke while dead-eyed gulls clear their throats and wait to feast on the fishermen’s leftovers.—
Dan Morrison,
USA Today,
7 Nov. 2025
-
Deep in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado, a train rumbles down a rugged valley.—
Evie Carrick,
Travel + Leisure,
7 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
To date, none of the criminal complaints filed in this case mention any anti-gay text messages, social media posts or comments made by the defendants, whose communications were being secretly monitored and taped by undercover informants and agents.—
John Wisely,
Freep.com,
10 Nov. 2025
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Shah said the news has led to over 500 complaints.—
Georg Szalai,
HollywoodReporter,
10 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Grumble.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grumble. Accessed 30 Nov. 2025.
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