GRUMBLE Synonyms: 95 Similar and Opposite Words

grumble 1 of 2

noun

Definition of grumble

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

grumble

2 of 2

verb

ˈgrəm-bəl

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

as in to growl

to make a low heavy rolling sound heavily loaded trucks grumbling as they passed over the steel bridge

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Noun

His 2025 tape, WOMB, embodied this through his pensive grumbles over wispy vocal chops; each bar that cut through the fog was steeped in sober gravitas. — Olivier Lafontant, Pitchfork, 27 Apr. 2026 Beyond the pedestrianized streets and bike lanes, the familiar cacophony of drivers honking their frustration is, if anything, louder than ever — as are the grumbles from those who rely on buses now snarled in endless jams. — Lisa Courbebaisse, CNN Money, 21 Mar. 2026

Verb

Aside from social media posts complaining about the war’s fallout and some grumbling from oligarchs about the Kremlin seizing their assets, there are still no signs of any widespread popular unrest against Vladimir Putin’s regime. — Jason Ma, Fortune, 3 Aug. 2026 Drummer Jay Russell kept to stark rattles, Sam Shipstone patched in his scratchy electric guitar, and Ryan Needham needled through grumbling basslines. — Victoria Borlando, Pitchfork, 24 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for grumble

Recent Examples of Synonyms for grumble

Noun

Meanwhile, turbo noise fills the cabin alongside the odd electric motor whine.

— Matthew MacConnell, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
That is, until you are subjected to the relentless whine of mosquitoes.

— Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 30 June 2026

Definition of whine

Verb

The sport is now on TV every night of the week these days—and unlike some traditionalists, football-loving families aren’t complaining.

— Beth Ann Mayer, Parents, 1 Sep. 2026
Undermining an alliance Coupang is not the first American company to complain of targeting by South Korean regulators.

— Justin Papp, CNBC, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of complain

Verb

Since then, Barkley has growled at several other people, and all but one have been diagnosed with some type of cancer, Dozier said.

— Becca Savransky, Idaho Statesman, 11 Aug. 2026
At the other end of our road, the cranes of the docks loomed — great Stothert and Pitt machines that growled overhead like something out of Star Wars, guarding the scale and mystery of the River Thames.

— Lee Clayton, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of growl

Noun

Wails and moans of grief interspersed the chanting, until the small coffin was lowered into the grave.

— Victoria Davies, Rolling Stone, 31 Aug. 2026
In the decades after his death, Johnson’s loose playing and harrowing moans set American music on a path that would encompass Chuck Berry, Bob Dylan, even Nas.

— Steven Johnson, Washington Post, 14 July 2026

Definition of moan

Verb

There's a 50% chance the drivers in this photo are screaming.

— AJ Willingham, AJC.com, 2 Sep. 2026
Baltimore is an even 69-69 after Cowser’s heroics, and though that record doesn’t usually scream postseason bound at this time of year, the American League hasn’t been as strong as years past.

— Scott Thompson OutKick, FOXNews.com, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of scream

Noun

The singer’s complaint seeks a jury trial and compensatory damages of over $75,000.

— Kathleen Perricone, Entertainment Weekly, 2 Sep. 2026
When reached for comment on LeVota’s letter, which The Star obtained this week, Garza’s attorney Brianne Thomas called it an act of retaliation and provided a copy of Garza’s complaint to The Star.

— Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of complaint

Browse Nearby Words

gruffness

grumble

grumbled

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Grumble.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grumble. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of grumble

noun

verb

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

matriculate

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

A List of Most Commonly Confused Words

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Sept. 4

Popular

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Games & Quizzes