1
as in murmurs
speech that is not clear enough to be understood
preoccupied with what he was doing, the mechanic gave only a grunt when I asked when the car would be ready
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in laborers
a person who does very hard or dull work
we have an opening in the warehouse if you don't mind doing grunt work
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in mutters
to speak softly and unclearly
was so absorbed with the video game that when asked what he wanted for dinner, he just grunted
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 grunts
Jessica Sager, PEOPLE, 7 Sep. 2025
There are layers of grunts and bangs; there is an increasingly insistent electronic score by Steve Jablonsky and, loudest of all, there are numerous ’70s needle drops that fully exploit the melodrama of prog rock.
—Stephanie Bunbury, Deadline, 30 Aug. 2025
During the day, fans can meander in and out of matches, keyed by the soundtrack of fervent applause in a close match, of grunts and skidding sneakers just a few feet away.
—Lauren Mowery, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2025
Off somewhere, bull baboons are raising their woofing grunts again.
—Literary Hub, 28 Aug. 2025
With each successive exchange, the replying chorus added another member, until the air was filled with a continuous melody of bugles, grunts, cow/calf calls, whistles and chuckles.
—Jim Tschetter, Outdoor Life, 27 Aug. 2025
In the deciding tiebreak, having frittered away an earlier chance to serve out the match, Vavassori cranked serves and crushed overheads with primal grunts.
—Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2025
After about an hour of following bushwhacking guides and slipping over an elephant trail twisting through the undergrowth, trumpets and guttural grunts pierced through the silence.
—Chris Schalkx, AFAR Media, 20 Aug. 2025
Let the grunts show it, especially in the red zone.
—Troy Renck, Denver Post, 16 Aug. 2025
Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 5 Sep. 2025
Noun
The Wilkes-Barre Times Leader reported that the family also experienced foul odors and heard pig grunts in the home.
—Jessica Sager, PEOPLE, 7 Sep. 2025
There are layers of grunts and bangs; there is an increasingly insistent electronic score by Steve Jablonsky and, loudest of all, there are numerous ’70s needle drops that fully exploit the melodrama of prog rock.
—Stephanie Bunbury, Deadline, 30 Aug. 2025
During the day, fans can meander in and out of matches, keyed by the soundtrack of fervent applause in a close match, of grunts and skidding sneakers just a few feet away.
—Lauren Mowery, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2025
Off somewhere, bull baboons are raising their woofing grunts again.
—Literary Hub, 28 Aug. 2025
With each successive exchange, the replying chorus added another member, until the air was filled with a continuous melody of bugles, grunts, cow/calf calls, whistles and chuckles.
—Jim Tschetter, Outdoor Life, 27 Aug. 2025
In the deciding tiebreak, having frittered away an earlier chance to serve out the match, Vavassori cranked serves and crushed overheads with primal grunts.
—Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2025
After about an hour of following bushwhacking guides and slipping over an elephant trail twisting through the undergrowth, trumpets and guttural grunts pierced through the silence.
—Chris Schalkx, AFAR Media, 20 Aug. 2025
Let the grunts show it, especially in the red zone.
—Troy Renck, Denver Post, 16 Aug. 2025
Verb
But young Fraser barely grunts under the punishment, then puts his shirt back on and goes to see how Julia is doing.
—Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 5 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grunts
Noun
-
There were murmurs in the organization about whether the pain in his knee was not the result of injury, but rather disinterest.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
5 Sep. 2025
-
The clank of armor, the murmurs of courtiers, and the soft glow of candlelight transform the castle into a truly immersive time capsule.—
Lee Sharrock,
Forbes.com,
19 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Since the Covid-19 pandemic, the city has seen a decline in large scale construction projects, leaving many laborers without steady, long-term employment.—
Karina Tsui,
CNN Money,
10 Sep. 2025
-
Local 724, the Hollywood laborers’ group, in a landmark election that took place Friday.—
Katie Kilkenny,
HollywoodReporter,
9 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The district says the money will help pay for a laundry list of programs, such as all-day kindergarten at all grade schools; the universal free breakfast program; pre-K centers; expanded career-technical education programs; and additional social workers, counselors and behavior specialists.—
Kevin Richert,
Idaho Statesman,
10 Sep. 2025
-
Rather than rendering aid or notifying emergency personnel, Sellers told co-workers that a ‘woman fell in the parking lot’ and needed help.—
Mark Price,
Miami Herald,
10 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
From the first moment, the vibe is off, as Brady looks earnestly at Rooney, the England legend mumbles and gives vague answers.—
Zak Garner-Purkis,
Forbes.com,
30 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
The results cast doubt on whether the plumes truly carry whispers of alien life, or merely echoes of lifeless chemistry on the frozen shell.—
Sharmila Kuthunur,
Space.com,
12 Sep. 2025
-
And now, after years of whispers, Fred Armisen himself has confirmed that a Wednesday spinoff based on his Uncle Fester is officially in the works.—
Allison DeGrushe,
Entertainment Weekly,
11 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Grunts.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grunts. Accessed 13 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share