as in muttering
speech that is not clear enough to be understood
the distracting mutter of some member of the audience
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
1
as in to complain
to express dissatisfaction, pain, or resentment usually tiresomely
a muttering group of workers
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to mumble
to speak softly and unclearly
muttering to himself under his breath
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 mutter
Bloomberg, The Mercury News, 28 Jan. 2025
The van pulled into the street, and the crowd followed, muttering lamentations.
—Jon Lee Anderson, The New Yorker, 27 Jan. 2025
That year an honorary degree was conferred on Jacques Derrida, and when somebody described him as the exponent of deconstruction theory, Brown relates, Prince Philip was overheard muttering that his own family seemed to be deconstructing pretty well.
—Geoffrey Wheatcroft, New York Times, 18 Jan. 2025
The soldiers muttered encouragement; their horses nickered.
—Tom Vanden Brook, USA TODAY, 6 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for mutter
Verb
At the Starbucks in Chicago on Monday, a man entered the cafe and paced back and forth, muttering to himself.
—Bloomberg, The Mercury News, 28 Jan. 2025
The van pulled into the street, and the crowd followed, muttering lamentations.
—Jon Lee Anderson, The New Yorker, 27 Jan. 2025
That year an honorary degree was conferred on Jacques Derrida, and when somebody described him as the exponent of deconstruction theory, Brown relates, Prince Philip was overheard muttering that his own family seemed to be deconstructing pretty well.
—Geoffrey Wheatcroft, New York Times, 18 Jan. 2025
The soldiers muttered encouragement; their horses nickered.
—Tom Vanden Brook, USA TODAY, 6 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for mutter
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mutter
Verb
-
While many people who renounced their citizenship complained of being unhappy with the political climate in the US, another reason for their decision is often taxes, Alistair Bambridge, a partner at Bambridge Accountants, told CNN in August 2020.—
Edward Szekeres,
CNN,
5 Mar. 2025
-
Trump and Vice President JD Vance clashed dramatically with the Ukrainian leader in the Oval Office Friday after Zelenskyy complained about Russian President Vladimir Putin.—
Riley Beggin,
USA TODAY,
4 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
Mia, unfortunately, has never been receptive to any of that in her time on the show and defaults to tears and mumbled half-apologies only when cornered.—
Shamira Ibrahim,
Vulture,
24 Feb. 2025
-
Secular humanists are content to mumble something about the imagination.—
Gideon Lewis-Kraus,
The New Yorker,
24 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
There, Garrett screamed at his girlfriend, a guest in a neighboring room would later tell Tricia.—
Emerson Clarridge,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
6 Mar. 2025
-
This cutout, one-shoulder suit, $165 at Nordstrom, is daring and screams glamour.—
Nora Colomer,
Fox News,
4 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
At the center, there were pleas for neighborhood investment, hope of revitalization, and murmurs about reparations.—
Nicholas Lalla,
WIRED,
4 Mar. 2025
-
The timing of Adam Wharton’s introduction in Crystal Palace’s 2-1 defeat by Everton may have denied the Selhurst Park crowd that murmuring of excitement that would ordinarily greet his appearance, but his contribution in the second half more than made up for it.—
Matt Woosnam,
The Athletic,
17 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
There’s a whisper of floral elegance, balanced with earthy depth, giving it a versatile and refined character.—
Jillian Dara,
Forbes,
5 Mar. 2025
-
After ten years of whispers, gossip, and speculation, the women finally start to open up about what has been painfully obvious to any faithful watcher of this show: Karen has been struggling with an alcohol problem that has recently gotten out of control.—
Shamira Ibrahim,
Vulture,
3 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
One day, the sky was grey, wind blew up my pant legs, giant construction machines whined loudly down the street, and a neighbor’s windchimes unleashed a flurry of complaints.—
Kate Siber,
Outside Online,
3 Mar. 2025
-
As to the kids’ responses, the more genial Olmo is not above whining, while parental demands usually provoke flat-out insolence from Ana, who breathes cigarette smoke like dragon fire.—
Sheri Linden,
The Hollywood Reporter,
17 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
Ford decided to mouth his last name at the end, a decision that caused observers to break out in laughter.—
Brian Steinberg,
Variety,
10 Feb. 2025
-
Residents should limit their time outside and dress warmly, making sure to cover their head, face and mouth with a knit hat or scarf, protect their hands with mittens or gloves, wear several layers of loose-fitting clothes and put on water-resistant shoes or boots.—
Adriana Pérez,
Chicago Tribune,
20 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
Faster and More Efficient Automation is taking the grunt work out of growing and selling.—
Matt Rozo,
The Mercury News,
19 Feb. 2025
-
Tom’s team needs a last-minute grunt to handle things on their next field visit.—
Kevin Spencer,
Twin Cities,
7 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Mutter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mutter. Accessed 19 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share