grumble
12 synonyms for grumble, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To complain in a low, muttering, discontented way.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. verb
To complain in a low, muttering, discontented way.
“He grumbled about the traffic the whole drive home.”
How to use grumble
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
grumble about
a low grumble
Etymology
Probably from Middle French grommeler, itself from a Middle Dutch word meaning to murmur or grunt.
Full origin of grumble →Frequently asked questions
What does “grumble” mean?
The word “grumble” means to complain in a low, muttering, discontented way. In plain terms, to complain quietly and persistently, or a low rumbling sound/complaint.
How do you pronounce “grumble”?
“Grumble” is pronounced GRUHMBL (/ˈɡɹʌmbl̩/ in IPA).
How do you use “grumble” in a sentence?
Here is “grumble” used in a sentence: “He grumbled about the traffic the whole drive home.”
What part of speech is “grumble”?
Depending on how it is used, “grumble” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “grumble” come from?
The word “grumble” comes from Middle French. Probably from Middle French grommeler, itself from a Middle Dutch word meaning to murmur or grunt.
How many meanings does “grumble” have?
“Grumble” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to complain in a low, muttering, discontented way.
