1
as in grunting
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
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2
as in laborer
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 to mutter
to speak softly and unclearly
was so absorbed with the video game that when asked what he wanted for dinner, he just grunted
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of grunt
Jay Paris, Forbes, 19 Mar. 2025
The sounds of grunts, punches and a little soft jazz ran through the speaker system.
—Ahmed Ali Akbar, Chicago Tribune, 31 Jan. 2025
Alexa Robles-Gil, Smithsonian Magazine, 16 Jan. 2025
Kandil recalls how, in those moments, her son would grunt and clamp down, completely blocking his airway.
—Jordan Greene, People.com, 26 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for grunt
Noun
From the get-go, Sasaki was giving a supreme effort with his grunts after releasing his pitches audible in the field-level seats.
—Verb
The team recorded dozens of the native birds gathering around to perform their courtship—showing off their bright feathers, smooth moves and grunting calls.
—Recent Examples of Synonyms for grunt
Noun
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Those who came to Ingersoll to establish a new life for themselves pursued jobs as laborers, barbers and waiters, among other professions.—
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New jobs for construction laborers--tasked with using, supplying or holding materials or tools and cleaning work areas and equipment on construction sites--are expected to increase by nearly 120,000 by 2033, with an annual growth rate of seven percent.—
Verb
-
Victoria barely muttered a word to Kate, who approached the Ratliffs during a meal, making the exchange extra awkward.—
-
Gray muttered at a moderator, pointing at the placard on the postgame table that proudly displayed his name: Hayden Gray.—
Noun
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The president justified the decision by saying the duty fees would spur automakers to build more vehicles in America, and, in the process, create more jobs for the country’s workers.—
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The Department of Government Efficiency’s actions weren’t expected to have a big impact just yet: While nearly 300,000 job cuts have been announced, not all federal workers were laid off immediately, so the impact to the labor market and unemployment is going to be a slow drip.—
Verb
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The mumbling girl is ill and must be taken to hospital, where her mother whimpers prayers over her.—
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After exiting the ride, Christopher Hawley walked haltingly, held onto a handrail for support and mumbled that his head hurt, according to the lawsuit.—
Noun
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In truth, whispers have been circulating for months that a The Row homewares line might be in the works.—
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Some people are forthright when Boulet asks, with a cameraman in tow, a question that is often not spoken, or at most in a locker-room whisper.—
Verb
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Certainly, nothing on the menu or in the service seemed to communicate anything beyond polished, murmuring attentiveness.—
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On Saturday evening, teenagers from a Catholic religious group known as the Salesians stood in a circle, murmuring quiet prayers for the pope's health.—
Verb
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The Bulldogs players began to tap their friends and mouth the quarterback’s name.—
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Ford decided to mouth his last name at the end, a decision that caused observers to break out in laughter.—
Cite this Entry
“Grunt.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grunt. Accessed 17 Apr. 2025.
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