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
Relevance
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
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 grumble
Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 6 Apr. 2025
There is already some grumbling that the G League has been hollowed out by the creation of a third two-way spot, and that was during a period when more talent was reaching the league.
—Mike Vorkunov, New York Times, 1 May 2025
Traditionalists aligned with Pope Benedict grumbled about theological ambiguity, accusing Francis of sowing confusion rather than clarity.
—Jeetendr Sehdev, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2025
Others grumble at the burden of cutting a hefty check for Uncle Sam to waste on God knows what.
—Jovi Dai, Mercury News, 15 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for grumble
Verb
For example, before Spencer guns down Whitfield in his dressing robe, Jacob grumbles that the world of private investment will learn not to knock on the ranch’s door again, at least not for a generation or two.
—Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 6 Apr. 2025
There is already some grumbling that the G League has been hollowed out by the creation of a third two-way spot, and that was during a period when more talent was reaching the league.
—Mike Vorkunov, New York Times, 1 May 2025
Traditionalists aligned with Pope Benedict grumbled about theological ambiguity, accusing Francis of sowing confusion rather than clarity.
—Jeetendr Sehdev, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2025
Others grumble at the burden of cutting a hefty check for Uncle Sam to waste on God knows what.
—Jovi Dai, Mercury News, 15 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for grumble
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grumble
Noun
-
Roxy doesn't take her eyes from the screen, and when Aishah turns the camera to show what's happening in the movie, Roxy can be heard making a noise somewhere between a growl and a whine.—
Mohammed Soliman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
28 Apr. 2025
-
Inside the fence, the atmosphere was oddly peaceful, and sometimes so quiet that the loudest noise was the whine of an overhead drone.—
Kelefa Sanneh,
New Yorker,
6 May 2025
Verb
-
The firing after a nearly 30-year run appeared to surprise Starkey, after reports that Daltrey was not happy with the drummer’s performance at a March Royal Albert Hall gig, complaining from stage that Starkey’s loud playing was throwing him off.—
Gil Kaufman,
Billboard,
27 May 2025
-
Many complain about a lack of tort reform, unrestricted attorney advertising or litigation funding, all of which contribute significantly to the scam.—
Robert Tyson,
Chicago Tribune,
27 May 2025
Verb
-
Frequently Asked Questions Should you be concerned by stomach growling?—
Lindsay Curtis,
Health,
21 May 2025
-
Never taking its eyes off the phone, the pup growled and barked, landing on its four legs only to get a running jump at the phone—but, thankfully, to no avail.—
Rachael O'Connor,
MSNBC Newsweek,
13 May 2025
Noun
-
There's a push, and suddenly, a newborn's first cry replaces the mother's moans.—
Laura Gómez,
Scientific American,
26 Mar. 2025
-
The eyes start rolling and the moans come out when dudes get super gooned.—
Mikelle Street,
Them.,
6 May 2025
Verb
-
Heard screamed and dropped to the ground with the knife beside him.—
Ashley Mackin Solomon,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
30 May 2025
-
After 'tremendous commotion,' Cassie screamed, 'Isn't anybody seeing this?' Some of the most compelling testimony has come from former Combs former personal assistant, George Kaplan.—
Josh Meyer,
USA Today,
29 May 2025
Verb
-
Gorillas make a deep, friendly rumbling to signal all is well.—
The Learning Network,
New York Times,
16 May 2025
-
Zoom in: As severe thunderstorms rumbled along the East Coast on Monday, the National Weather Service faced the possibility of losing its ability to bring satellite and observational data into forecast offices in a timely manner, starting at midnight, current and former NOAA staff told Axios.—
Andrew Freedman,
Axios,
1 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
According to the mother's complaint, Sekulow and his son did not want to be associated with hiring a gay man at their organization the American Center for Law and Justice, Inc (ACLJ).—
Sophie Clark,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 May 2025
-
The report echoes complaints shared throughout the industry, including by the world’s largest European soccer streamer, DAZN.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
30 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Grumble.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grumble. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share