grumble 1 of 2

noun

Definition of grumblenext
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

grumble

2 of 2

verb

ˈgrəm-bəl How to pronounce grumble (audio)
1
as in to complain
to express dissatisfaction, pain, or resentment usually tiresomely he grumbled about how sore his feet were after standing all day

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
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
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 Still, for distributors and exhibitors in the United States, bringing foreign-language films to theaters sometimes seems like an act of philanthropy, while French sales agent grumble about the low sales prices. — Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 9 Mar. 2026
Verb
To do so, the chain has invested in labor and renovations to its coffee houses, earning some grumbling from investors. — Amelia Lucas, CNBC, 29 July 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
  1. whine
  2. complain
  3. growl
  4. moan
  5. scream
  6. rumble
  7. complaint
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
  • Kayley starts service with a positive attitude, hoping to give the guests no reason to complain.
    — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 18 Aug. 2026
  • That Sean Payton won by 20 on the road and still spent a good chunk of his postgame presser either complaining, yammering about Jack Lemmon, or both, is a heck of a good sign.
    — Troy Renck, Denver Post, 17 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
  • 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
  • Sweet tweets, soft moans, the distant caw of a shore bird piloting toward the sea, spirited and hopeful, daylight already breaking through.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 13 July 2026
Definition of moan
Verb
  • As All In Build Continues Part of the explanation is that the inflation side of the mandate has been screaming louder.
    — Jason Kirsch, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026
  • The audience screams in response, and Scovel scolds them again but this time with a smile.
    — Kathryn VanArendonk, Vulture, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of scream
Verb
  • There is a very slim 5-10% chance of a shower or rumble across the Red River counties on Monday; otherwise, there is no rain in sight.
    — Michael Autovino, CBS News, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Donovan Ferrufino rumbles up the middle for a 51-yard touchdown run, breaking through two defenders at about the 20 on his way in.
    — Buddy Collings, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of rumble
Noun
  • By doing it this way, the kids had to put some thought into which items meant the most to them, and there were no complaints afterward.
    — R. Eric Thomas, Mercury News, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Arulampalam, who knew nothing of the campaign, received complaints from residents Monday and on Tuesday the citation was given with orders to clean up.
    — Pamela McLoughlin, Hartford Courant, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of complaint

Browse Nearby Words

gruffness
grumble
grumbled
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Cite this Entry

“Grumble.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grumble. Accessed 18 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of grumble for Spanish Speakers

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