easy
We heard grumbling after the game was delayed.
What does Grumbling mean?
Grumbling means complaining quietly or unhappily.
Dictionary definition
Complaining in a low or unhappy way; also the sound of low complaints.
Example sentences
Grumbling in a sentence
medium
The tired hikers kept grumbling about the long trail.
hard
Grumbling often suggests quiet dissatisfaction rather than a loud argument.
Writing practice
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Quick practice
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Practice the meaning of Grumbling
Answer three quick questions about its meaning and related words.
Question 1 of 3
Practice 1
What does grumbling mean?
GRUMBLING means grumbling means complaining quietly or unhappily.
Practice 2
Which sentence uses grumbling correctly?
The correct sentence uses grumbling in context.
Practice 3
Which word or phrase is closest in meaning to grumbling?
complaining is closest because it connects to the meaning of grumbling.
Practice complete
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Pronunciation coach
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Grumbling
Voice settings
Sounds like
grum · bling · strongest beat: grum
Tap each sound part, then blend the whole word together.
Learn
WordGrumbling.
Partnoun, verb, adjective.
MeaningGrumbling means complaining quietly or unhappily.
ExampleExample: We heard grumbling after the game was delayed.
Word breakdown
2 syllables. Say each part, then blend the word.
- Syllables
- grum · bling
- Strongest beat
- grum
- Ending
- bling
- Tip
- Put a little extra energy on grum.
Your turn
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Synonyms
Words like Grumbling
complainingSaying something is wrong or unfair.
mutteringSpeaking quietly and unclearly.
gripingComplaining, often about small problems.
Antonyms
Opposite words
praisingSpeaking positively.
cheeringShowing support or happiness.
Synonym practice
Want to practice grumbling synonyms in context? Try a Synonym Search question like "The quiet grumbling stopped after snack time," then compare close word choices. Practice grumbling synonyms.
Word family
Grumbling word family
Base word
grumble
verb
grumbled
Past tense form.
verb
grumbling
Ongoing form or noun.
Related words
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Student support
Understand Grumbling
Hint for students
Grumbling means complaining quietly or unhappily.
Common mix-up
Grumbling is not the same as praising. Grumbling means grumbling means complaining quietly or unhappily.
Try it in class or at home
Read this model sentence: The tired hikers kept grumbling about the long trail. Clue words: tired, hikers, kept. Underline clue words that show why grumbling fits instead of praising. Now write one new sentence that shows grumbling without using the word grumbling. Ask: Does my sentence clearly show grumbling?
Teacher prompt
Ask students to explain this model sentence: "The tired hikers kept grumbling about the long trail." Why does grumbling fit better than praising?
Learning activities
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