GRUMBLING Synonyms: 92 Similar and Opposite Words

grumbling 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of grumbling

as in complaining

Related Words

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Dissimilar Words

grumbling

2 of 2

verb

present participle of grumble

as in screaming

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 rumbling

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 grumbling

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 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 But there is some grumbling after Burnham removed several of Starmer’s senior ministers from the government including ex-Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy, former Business Secretary Peter Kyle and Starmer’s chief secretary, Darren Jones. — ABC News, 21 July 2026 There is much grumbling and disagreement at her meeting of the Small Council. — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026 That sparked grumbling this week from students on social media. — Todd Wallack, Washington Post, 10 July 2026 Certain organizations, like the Baltimore Orioles, are notorious for never having enough arms, which can lead to grumbling from teams that do, like the Tampa Bay Rays. — Brittany Ghiroli, New York Times, 1 July 2026 Reddit commenters are grumbling about the no-bag policy, though many seem to accept it as the price of a global festival in 2026. — Steven Blum, HollywoodReporter, 12 May 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for grumbling

Adjective

An energy vampire has bad body language, the complaining look on their face, the vocal complainer.

— Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Feb. 2026

Definition of complaining

Verb

Reuters/Juan David Duque At the airport in Pereira, videos showed pieces of ceiling falling down on travelers taking shelter and screaming, and people running through rubble in a panic.

— CBS News, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026
In Pereira, further south in the coffee-producing mountains of Colombia, photos and videos on local media showed pieces of the airport ceiling falling onto travelers taking shelter and screaming.

— ABC News, ABC News, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of screaming

Verb

Using geothermal means buildings don’t burn fossil fuels, and residents or other users aren’t bothered by rumbling air conditioners or noisy heaters, Weigert said.

— Brian J. Rogal, Chicago Tribune, 6 Aug. 2026
More news The Arizona Cardinals and their starting quarterback, Jacoby Brissett, had been in a rumbling contract dispute in the early days of training camp.

— Alex Kirshner, New York Times, 27 July 2026

Definition of rumbling

Verb

The epic whining heard across MLB over the Tarik Skubal acquisition is evidence Andrew Friedman and Dodgers management are a masterclass in demonstrating creative leadership to cultivate a winning ballclub.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 8 Aug. 2026
The fact that a prominent world leader has been desperately hoping (some might say whining) for a Nobel Peace Prize is not lost on Bang.

— Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of whining

Verb

As Koji’s character is thrust into a cage at an underground prison brawl, Momoa’s Blanka can be heard growling off screen.

— Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 30 July 2026
This could include sniffing around more than usual or barking and growling at odd places like piles of leaves.

— Ashley Chalmers, The Spruce, 3 July 2026

Definition of growling

Verb

Video released by the Milwaukie Police Department shows Descamps sprawled in a hospital bed, his body limp, moaning and drooling, while medical staff stood nearby.

— Brian Mann, NPR, 6 Aug. 2026
Swinging his hips, moaning into the mic and briefly getting promiscuous with a mic stand was the authenticity that the majority-millennial crowd expected.

— Sophie Lindberg July 11, Kansas City Star, 12 July 2026

Definition of moaning

Browse Nearby Words

grumbles

grumbling

grump

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“Grumbling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grumbling. Accessed 15 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of grumbling

adjective

verb

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