RUMBLE Synonyms: 31 Similar and Opposite Words

rumble 1 of 2

verb

ˈrəm-bəl

Definition of rumble

as in to growl

to make a low heavy rolling sound when thunder rumbled in the distant sky, we wisely began packing up our picnic

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rumble

2 of 2

noun

as in rumbling

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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 rumble

Verb

The race car was painted in Miami Dolphins colors and rumbled like a Boeing 747. — Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 24 Sep. 2026 An elevated subway train rumbled by in the distance, just past the outfield, a reminder of the city beyond. — Hua Hsu, New Yorker, 21 Sep. 2026

Noun

But come Wednesday, the region will hear that familiar rumble of thunder as a stormy stretch starts again. — Howard Cohen, Miami Herald, 15 Sep. 2026 There is no engine rumble, no exhaust and little warning for anything ahead. — ABC News, 14 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rumble

Recent Examples of Synonyms for rumble

Verb

This past spring, the singer-guitarist announced that hernia repair surgery left him with a six-and-a-half–inch scar and doctors’ orders never to growl again.

— Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 24 Sep. 2026
Dogs and cats may be triggered by this distinctive smell and show unusual behavior when skunks are nearby, such as sniffing or pawing the dirt around the burrow or becoming more protective by growling or hovering near the entrance.

— Michelle Mastro, Martha Stewart, 24 Sep. 2026

Definition of growl

Noun

In today’s world of rumbling, thunderous Dolby surround sound, the concept of silent cinema can feel very distant.

— Rachel Syme, New Yorker, 11 Sep. 2026
Once the rumbling stopped, Armas -- in gym shorts and a T-shirt with his gear clipped to his belt -- and Buckley led a group of civilians and FDNY members outside.

— ABC News, ABC News, 8 Sep. 2026

Definition of rumbling

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rum

rumble

rumbled

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Style

“Rumble.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rumble. Accessed 5 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of rumble

verb

noun

Example Sentences

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