1
as in groan
a long low sound indicating pain or grief
she uttered an agonized moan and clutched her stomach
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in wail
a crying out in grief
moans arose from the crowd as the funeral procession for the well-loved senator made its way down the street
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3
as in whine
an expression of dissatisfaction, pain, or resentment
the crowd responded with a moan when it was announced that the rest of the show would be cancelled due to the weather
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1
as in to groan
to utter a moan
he moaned and cried for days after his dog, his only companion, died
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2
as in to complain
to express dissatisfaction, pain, or resentment usually tiresomely
their son moaned whenever anyone asked him to do some work
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Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of moan
Sam Metz, Los Angeles Times, 16 Feb. 2026
Two microphones angle towards the duduk to capture resonant moans, creaks, squeaks and honks akin to the bridge’s.
—Ruby Rosenthal, Chicago Tribune, 14 Jan. 2026
Abigail Adams, PEOPLE, 21 May 2026
Coach Arne Slot moaned about VAR but his problems lie much closer to home.
—Phil Hay, New York Times, 4 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for moan
Noun
At the moment that B’Tselem says Hathaleen collapsed, the visuals are jostled but moans of pain can be heard.
—Sam Metz, Los Angeles Times, 16 Feb. 2026
Two microphones angle towards the duduk to capture resonant moans, creaks, squeaks and honks akin to the bridge’s.
—Ruby Rosenthal, Chicago Tribune, 14 Jan. 2026
Verb
As the video continues, one person can be heard yelling her name while the makeup artist moans in pain.
—Abigail Adams, PEOPLE, 21 May 2026
Coach Arne Slot moaned about VAR but his problems lie much closer to home.
—Phil Hay, New York Times, 4 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for moan
Recent Examples of Synonyms for moan
Noun
-
Young climbed into a box, which Strange then stabbed repeatedly, prompting groans from the audience.—
Raechal Shewfelt,
Entertainment Weekly,
17 June 2026
-
Still, the night had enough laughs, groans and tender moments to keep things interesting.—
Jessica Gelt,
Los Angeles Times,
8 June 2026
Noun
-
Three species of bats inhabit the site, and supernatural events—including the appearance of the gamekeeper’s ghost and the wail of a banshee—have been reported.—
Patricia Doherty,
Travel + Leisure,
22 May 2026
-
The wail of fire trucks can be heard as passersby stopped to record the scene.—
Francie Ebert,
NBC news,
16 May 2026
Noun
-
Test recordings sounded clear and full, and the noise cancellation completely blocked out the buzz and whine of my 3D printer.—
Will Greenwald,
PC Magazine,
14 June 2026
-
Lee's voice has always been Sui generis, a distinctive instrument caught between a whine and a yelp yet immediately recognizable.—
Melissa Ruggieri,
USA Today,
8 June 2026
Verb
-
Trump has frequently complained that Obama’s deal included the transport of cash from the US to Iran.—
Tal Shalev,
CNN Money,
15 June 2026
-
Plus, who can complain when the gorgeous Block Island — which, unlike Rhode Island, is actually an island — is described as New England’s Caribbean?—
Tom Smyth,
Vulture,
15 June 2026
Noun
-
She was taken by a suspect, leaving behind her 11-month-old daughter in a high chair, where she was later found crying and alone.—
Rosalio Ahumada,
Sacbee.com,
10 June 2026
-
There’s no crying in baseball, but Kim Ng works in softball now.—
Assistant Sports Editor,
Los Angeles Times,
9 June 2026
Noun
-
The band members were surprised when fans unfurled a banner emblazoned with their lyrics, singing them as a rallying cry.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
12 June 2026
-
The following Story shows Emmy hooked up to various wires and tubes in the hospital as Morgan holds her in her arms and cries.—
Georgia Slater,
PEOPLE,
11 June 2026
Noun
-
The plot unraveled on June 11 when Proper's mother went to police with concerns about her son's behavior online, recent firearms purchases and plans to travel, according to a criminal complaint.—
Christopher Cann,
USA Today,
17 June 2026
-
The Patriots claim that Foxborough improperly charged them approximately $1 million in new administrative fees when, according to the complaint, the town only has state authorization to charge up to $100 per year to renew stadium entertainment licenses.—
Chad Graff,
New York Times,
17 June 2026
Verb
-
The keeper could do nothing but flail and then turn and scream in frustration at his defense’s failings at the crucial moment.—
Kyle Feldscher,
CNN Money,
17 June 2026
-
Elena called for Harold, who ran out in his boxers — both men screamed at each other and threatened to call the cops.—
Olivia Bensimon,
Curbed,
17 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Moan.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/moan. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
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