Synonyms for

Whining

Verb / ˈwaɪnɪŋ / / ˈhwaɪnɪŋ / Another word for whining — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

Whining means to complain or make a high-pitched, annoying noise.

Synonyms & similar words

yawp squeak snivel creak screech whine screak yammer skreak grizzle complaining grumbling moaning groaning whingeing carping grousing bitching crying sobbing weeping sniveling sniffling mewling fretting lamenting bewailing bemoaning yammering bellyaching

Synonyms by register

Formal

lamenting moaning groaning complaining

Informal

whinging moaning bellyaching kvetching whinging

Literary

keening wailing lamenting

Antonyms

rejoicing celebrating cheering complaining protesting objecting grumbling

Common collocations

  • whining noise
  • whining sound
  • whining child
  • whining tone
  • whining about
  • whining incessantly
  • stop whining
  • endless whining

Word family

noun whine
verb whine
adjective whiny

Usage note

While 'whining' often describes a high-pitched, unpleasant sound, it can also refer to a complaint, especially a petty or persistent one. The informal synonyms reflect this latter meaning.

Example sentences

  1. The baby was whining because he was hungry.
  2. Stop whining and help me clean up the mess.
  3. I'm tired of your constant whining about everything.
  4. She started whining when she found out she couldn't go to the party.
  5. The dog was whining at the door to go outside.

Quotes

  • "Whining is not only graceless, but can be dangerous. It can alert a brute that a victim is in the neighborhood." - Maya Angelou
  • "Whining is not only an excuse for inaction, it's also a cop-out." - Dan Rather
  • "Whining is not only contagious, but it also affects the whiner in a negative way." - James A. Murphy

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