Grumble — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb noun /ˈgrəm-bəl/ grum·ble

Meaning & Definition of Grumble

Grumble (verb)

  1. to mutter in discontent
  2. growl, rumble
  3. to express with grumbling

Grumble (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. 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"

    similar: beef, bitch, bleat, carp, complaint, fuss, grievance, gripe, grouch, grouse, holler, kvetch, lament, miserere, moan, murmur, plaint, squawk, wail, whimper, whine, whinge (British), yammer
    related: challenge, demur, expostulation, kick, niggle (chiefly British), objection, protest, quibble, remonstrance, stink
    near: commendation, compliment, plaudit, acclaim, applause, praise, approval, endorsement, sanction

Grumble (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to express dissatisfaction, pain, or resentment usually tiresomely

    "he grumbled about how sore his feet were after standing all day"

    similar: beef, bellyache, bitch, bleat, carp, caterwaul, complain, crab, croak, fuss, gripe, grizzle, grouch, grouse, growl, grump, holler, inveigh, keen, kick, kvetch, maunder (chiefly British), moan, murmur, mutter, nag, repine, scream, squawk, squeal, wail, whimper, whine, whinge (British), yammer, yawp, yowl, kick up a fuss
    related: object (to), protest, quarrel (with), cavil, quibble, fret, stew, worry, blubber, cry, sob, bemoan, bewail, deplore, lament
    opposite: crow, delight, rejoice
    near: accept, bear, countenance, endure, take, tolerate, applaud, cheer, commend

  2. to make a low heavy rolling sound

    "heavily loaded trucks grumbling as they passed over the steel bridge"

    similar: growl, lumber, roll, rumble
    related: boom, drum, thunder, bellow

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Grumble

The most common words with a similar meaning to Grumble:

British: whinge
Chiefly British: maunder
beef, bitch, bleat, carp, complaint, fuss, grievance, gripe, grouch, grouse, holler, kvetch, lament, miserere, moan, murmur, plaint, squawk, wail, whimper, whine, yammer, bellyache, caterwaul, complain, crab, croak, grizzle, growl, grump, inveigh, keen, kick, mutter, nag, repine, scream, squeal, yawp, yowl

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Grumble

Words with the opposite meaning of Grumble:

crow, delight, rejoice

Related Words for Grumble

challenge, demur, expostulation, niggle, objection, protest, quibble, remonstrance, stink, object (to), quarrel (with), cavil, fret, stew, worry, blubber, cry, sob, bemoan, bewail, deplore, boom, drum, thunder, bellow

Near Antonyms of Grumble

commendation, compliment, plaudit, acclaim, applause, praise, approval, endorsement, sanction, accept, bear, countenance, endure, take, tolerate, applaud, cheer, commend

Word Forms of Grumble

Inflections: grumbled, grumbling

Derived words: grumble (noun), grumbler (noun), grumbly (adjective)

Origin & Etymology of Grumble

probably from Middle French grommeler, ultimately from Middle Dutch grommen; akin to Old High German grimm grim

First known use: 1580i

Frequently Asked Questions about Grumble

What does "Grumble" mean?

"Grumble" means to mutter in discontent. As an a verb and a noun, it is defined as: to mutter in discontent. It has 3 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Grumble"?

Other words for "Grumble" include beef, bitch, bleat, carp, complaint, fuss, grievance and gripe. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Grumble" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Grumble"?

There are 71 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Grumble". Common alternatives include beef, bitch, bleat, carp, complaint, fuss, grievance, gripe, grouch and grouse.

What is the opposite of "Grumble"?

Antonyms of "Grumble" include crow, delight and rejoice. Near antonyms include commendation, compliment, plaudit and acclaim.

How do you use "Grumble" in a sentence?

Examples of "Grumble" in a sentence: "a chorus of moans and grumbles when they found out that the overnight camping trip had been cancelled"; "he grumbled about how sore his feet were after standing all day"; "heavily loaded trucks grumbling as they passed over the steel bridge".

Is "Grumble" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Grumble" can be used as a verb and a noun, depending on the context.

How do you pronounce "Grumble"?

"Grumble" is pronounced /ˈgrəm-bəl/ and divided into syllables as grum·ble.

What is the origin of the word "Grumble"?

"Grumble" comes from probably from Middle French grommeler, ultimately from Middle Dutch grommen; akin to Old High German grimm grim. First known use: 1580i.