Synonyms for murmur
- verb
- noun
Definitions
- v. 1
To speak or make low, indistinguishable noise; to mumble, mutter.
I couldn't hear the words; he just murmured a lot.
- n. 1
Any low, indistinct sound, like that of running water.
Related words
- Word family
- murmuration murmurer murmuring murmurous
- Phrases
- heart murmur
- Is a kind of
- sound
Choose the right word
To murmur is to utter suppressed or even inarticulate sounds, suggesting the notes of a dove, or the sound of a running stream, and is used figuratively of the half suppressed utterances of affection or pity, or of complaint, resentment, etc.
J. C. Fernald, English Synonyms and Antonyms (1914)
Example sentences
- complain I heard some students complain about the homework.
- grumble His grandparents do nothing but grumble all day.
- mutter Tobias heard Isabella mutter: "Oh, shit!"
- croak We're basically waiting for someone to croak.
- gurgle The baby just made a very funny gurgle.
By length
- 3 letters
- hum1
- 4 letters
- buzz1, moan1, purl
- 5 letters
- growl1, snarl1, croak1, sough1, gnarl1
- 6 letters
- lament2, mutter2, babble2, grouch1, mander2, gurgle2, plaint, repine
- 7 letters
- whisper2, grumble2, whimper2
- 8 letters
- complain2, susurrus
- 9 letters
- complaint2, muttering3, grumbling3, undertone3
- 11 letters
- murmuration, mussitation, susurration
The small number after each word is its number of syllables (lament2 = 2 syllables).