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
  • Afterward, Sanchez sobbed and Corbalan turned to the Sanchez family.
    — Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Also last week, court was paused several times as Clancy sobbed while witnesses from the medical examiner's office were on the stand.
    — Aaron Parseghian, CBS News, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of sob
Verb
  • The Sekai team was at a loss, and Therain recalls calling his wife crying in the lobby of a hotel in Tokyo.
    — Jennifer Maas, Variety, 20 Aug. 2026
  • By the looks of it, the foundation didn’t move even through smiling, hugging, crying, and dancing.
    — Essence Wiley, InStyle, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of cry
Verb
  • The state compared Atrium to a soccer team whining about the referees.
    — Bob Herman, STAT, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Players who are selfish, whine or complain are bounced without hesitation.
    — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of whine
Verb
  • 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
  • After the guards left, the man continued to moan; his cellmates called for a doctor.
    — Joshua Yaffa, New Yorker, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of moan
Verb
  • The eggs royale hit the nail on the head, although the groaning plate that passed me by with the Zetter full English did also catch my eye.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Aug. 2026
  • As school starts again, some kids will moan and groan to their parents about the end of summer.
    — Amaia Gavica, Miami Herald, 7 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 25 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on snivel

Nglish: Translation of snivel for Spanish Speakers

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