mutter 1 of 2

noun

Definition of mutternext
as in muttering
speech that is not clear enough to be understood the distracting mutter of some member of the audience

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mutter

2 of 2

verb

ˈmə-tər How to pronounce mutter (audio)
1
as in to complain
to express dissatisfaction, pain, or resentment usually tiresomely a muttering group of workers

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to mumble
to speak softly and unclearly muttering to himself under his breath

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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
Noun
Six mutters and sighs and rolls his head as if profoundly exasperated. — Literary Hub, 21 May 2026
Verb
On Tuesday, cameras caught Dodgers catcher Dalton Rushing muttering something after looking back at the Giants’ Jung Hoo Lee, who was in discomfort after an awkward slide at home plate. — Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 23 Apr. 2026 The scent of vinegar fills the set, and a crew member wanders by muttering about dyeing Easter eggs. — Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 17 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for mutter
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mutter
  1. muttering
  2. complain
  3. mumble
  4. grunting
  5. scream
  6. murmur
  7. whisper
  8. whine
Noun
  • The opportunity to send a raucous Bell Centre crowd home muttering was there in Game 3.
    — Eduardo A. Encina, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 Apr. 2026
Definition of muttering
Verb
  • In short order, users started complaining about multiple system reboots rather than the one expected with a security update.
    — Davey Winder, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026
  • Researchers found nearly everyone admits to at least one bad beach habit, even as many complain about other people’s behavior.
    — Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 19 July 2026
Definition of complain
Verb
  • Later that day, Rowley was drenched in sweat, rocking back and forth and mumbling incoherently as the poison – later identified as Novichok, a Russian nerve agent – took hold of him, too.
    — Faith Karimi, CNN Money, 11 July 2026
  • Next up, maybe lawmakers can do something about overly soft, mumbling dialogue preceded by deafening explosions.
    — Winston Cho, HollywoodReporter, 25 June 2026
Definition of mumble
Noun
  • By pulling this string, the locals made an amplified grunting noise similar to that of a jaguar.
    — Delbert L. Chears, Outdoor Life, 5 Mar. 2026
Definition of grunting
Verb
  • The straw materials practically scream summer, crafted to go with all of your beach looks this season.
    — Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 15 July 2026
  • Usher went on to remove his leather jacket to reveal a sculpted bare torso, to screams of delight from much of the audience.
    — Simon Vozick-Levinson, Rolling Stone, 13 July 2026
Definition of scream
Verb
  • Or at least squeezed in a solid couch nap with baseball/golf/soccer/primo history programming murmuring in the background.
    — Tyler Estep, AJC.com, 22 June 2026
  • Yoon murmurs something into her ear.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 June 2026
Definition of murmur
Noun
  • This filing was just the first whisper of redevelopment at the mall in years.
    — Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 July 2026
  • Among other amateur butterfly afficionados and biologists who were likewise paying attention, a whisper of disquiet was spreading.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 15 July 2026
Definition of whisper
Verb
  • The snippet ends just as the cat whines and tucks its head beneath the barrier, not far from the officer filming the scene.
    — Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 13 July 2026
  • After a few casts, Rubye’s rod bent, and the reel whined as line spooled out.
    — John Todd, Outdoor Life, 9 July 2026
Definition of whine

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mutter
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Cite this Entry

“Mutter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mutter. Accessed 22 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on mutter

Nglish: Translation of mutter for Spanish Speakers

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