as in whine
an expression of dissatisfaction, pain, or resentment
patiently posed for dozens of photographs without so much as a whimper
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in to cry
to utter feeble plaintive cries
the dog whimpered to be let in
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to complain
to express dissatisfaction, pain, or resentment usually tiresomely
a good-hearted person, but given to whimpering about trifles
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 whimper
Micah McCartney, Newsweek, 22 Jan. 2025
The big showdown with the Clarks — featuring the Tracey Ullman in a far-too-short guest role — ends with several bangs, courtesy of Sam, who insists on protecting Helen from both harm and regrettable murders, and also with the whimper of realizing the whole revenge plot was kind of a nothingburger.
—Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 6 Dec. 2024
Ollie Barder, Forbes, 29 Dec. 2024
Despite being administered morphine, Celine constantly whimpered in pain.
—Rania Abouzeid, The New Yorker, 21 Nov. 2024
See All Example Sentences for whimper
Noun
Instead of roaring back, the economy rebounded with more of a whimper, bucking expectations.
—Micah McCartney, Newsweek, 22 Jan. 2025
The big showdown with the Clarks — featuring the Tracey Ullman in a far-too-short guest role — ends with several bangs, courtesy of Sam, who insists on protecting Helen from both harm and regrettable murders, and also with the whimper of realizing the whole revenge plot was kind of a nothingburger.
—Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 6 Dec. 2024
Verb
That said, the whimpering Chamberlain still gives me the heebie-jeebies.
—Ollie Barder, Forbes, 29 Dec. 2024
Despite being administered morphine, Celine constantly whimpered in pain.
—Rania Abouzeid, The New Yorker, 21 Nov. 2024
See All Example Sentences for whimper
Recent Examples of Synonyms for whimper
Noun
-
Fritz revved the engine, a desperate, needling whine, and the vessel lurched down the airstrip, the chute billowing awake behind him.—
Nick Paumgarten,
The New Yorker,
10 Feb. 2025
-
Families fall asleep to the thump of nearby airstrikes and the constant whine of an Israeli drone overhead.—
Raf Sanchez,
NBC News,
25 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
Although anyone can injure a baby in a moment of frustration, most prevention research has focused specifically on helping parents understand why infants cry or become fussy.—
Lori Frasier,
The Conversation,
19 Mar. 2025
-
Catch up on last week: Carrie Underwood cries, Backstreet Boy duets with son in 'Idol' premiereNeed a break?—
KiMi Robinson,
USA TODAY,
17 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
Appeals court rules Trump can implement anti-DEI executive orders for now In address about vision for DOJ, Trump complains about prior probes In: Joe Biden Donald Trump January 6 Melissa Quinn Melissa Quinn is a politics reporter for CBSNews.com.—
Melissa Quinn,
CBS News,
17 Mar. 2025
-
Fix Problems Many of us like to complain about broken systems, inefficient processes, or other things that annoy us at work.—
Joseph Liu,
Forbes,
17 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
None of these moans are intended to dismiss the importance of clever in-jokes and references to past adventures.—
Richard Edwards,
Space.com,
17 Feb. 2025
-
Tonally registering as if carved from a medium-hard piece of oak, his transparent deliveries — mellow whispers, conversational assertions, longing moans, resolute cries — served as effective vessels for those character sketches and autobiographical reflections.—
Bob Gendron,
Chicago Tribune,
16 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
Another passenger warns her, conveniently, that pregnant women are returned to their countries of origin and so Alex sobs through each doctor’s inspection, worried that all this pain — this loss of dignity — is for nothing.—
Amanda Whiting,
Vulture,
9 Mar. 2025
-
Most notably, their co-star, Oscar winner Michelle Yeoh, sobbed throughout the rendition, clearly channeling the millions of misty-eyed viewers at home.—
Mathew Rodriguez,
Them,
3 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
Every frequent flier has been there: the seat that doesn’t tilt back, the screaming kids, the sprint between terminals for the connecting flight, and relief at baggage claim that your luggage actually made it.—
Michael Verdon,
Robb Report,
19 Mar. 2025
-
And of course, 102 acres on the Pacific Ocean just screams location, location, ad infinitum.—
David Weiss,
Forbes,
19 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Additionally, Daughtry drew scrutiny after his elevation to become deputy commissioner, a civilian position, resulted in the Civilian Complaint Review Board dropping three complaints of misconduct against him last year on the basis that the panel only has oversight of uniformed officers.—
Chris Sommerfeldt,
New York Daily News,
19 Mar. 2025
-
At the request of residents, ombudsmen work with residents, family members, administrators and other to resolve complaints of residents.—
Joe Rassel,
Orlando Sentinel,
19 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
Bao Li, a playful boy who bleats in excitement, climbed dangerously high up a tree.—
Robin Wright,
The New Yorker,
21 Jan. 2025
-
The living room was a swirl of kids and bleating screens.—
John Branch,
New York Times,
24 Nov. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Whimper.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/whimper. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share