snivel

verb

Definition of snivelnext
as in to whimper
to complain or cry in an annoying way The child sniveled until he got his way.

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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 snivel Bruce Springsteen was speaking truth to power when the titans of industry were caving and sniveling. — Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 23 Mar. 2026 Downey redirects all his Tony Stark smarm into this portrait of a sniveling, jealous political worm, a marvelous capstone to his Hollywood comeback story. — Jordan Hoffman, Vanity Fair, 15 Mar. 2026 Faced with the sniveling sum of these failures, Garfield is startled but compassionate. — Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 7 Nov. 2025 Played by a sniveling Casey Siemaszko, Billy is spineless and spiteful. — Sezin Devi Koehler September 1, EW.com, 1 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for snivel
Recent Examples of Synonyms for snivel
  1. whimper
  2. sob
  3. cry
  4. whine
  5. moan
  6. groan
Verb
  • Pancho, a heavy-bodied Airedale, whimpered and rubbed against my leg with the expectation of excitement to come.
    — Frank C. Hibben, Outdoor Life, 15 July 2026
  • That admission led to gasps and whimpering by several courtroom observers.
    — Nick Ferraro, Twin Cities, 11 June 2026
Definition of whimper
Verb
  • Officers described the videos recorded by that camera, writing that Westman seemed agitated after a visit with family and at times sobbed before driving by the church and school the night before the attack.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 27 Aug. 2026
  • After the 911 audio concluded, a recess was called and she was wheeled from the room sobbing loudly.
    — Kerry Breen, CBS News, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of sob
Verb
  • Unintentional noise could be heard, even a baby crying, Dolly said.
    — Martha Ackmann, Vulture, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Meanwhile, Clancy is visibly emotional, crying and wiping her eyes.
    — Sumiko Corley, NBC news, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of cry
Verb
  • Quit whining about the stupid catch, quit whining about Jazz stealing third, and maybe start talking about how the Red Sox were a complete no-show all weekend long.
    — Zach Dean OutKick, FOXNews.com, 31 Aug. 2026
  • The state compared Atrium to a soccer team whining about the referees.
    — Bob Herman, STAT, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of whine
Verb
  • Endo is the sixth choice midfielder and someone who never moans about his place in the pecking order.
    — James Pearce, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Hall wrote in his report that Hamilton lay down in the backseat of the police vehicle, moaning and not responding, prompting first responders to give him Narcan.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of moan
Verb
  • More than 200 walruses were hauled out on the beach, grunting and groaning, wriggling and jostling for position.
    — Sarah Kingdom, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Fans of both teams cheered and groaned as their favorite players' fortunes fluctuated.
    — Odette Yousef, NPR, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of groan

Browse Nearby Words

snitch (on)
snivel
sniveled
See all Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

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

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Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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