to croak

Examples

• All

• He couldn't take it, and he croaked to his friends that he was finished.

  Loving Annabelle (2007)

• You croak too much against Moses.

  The Ten Commandments (1956)

• - You want to croak then?

  Ty (2020)

• "What we know is that you are not one of us," he croaked.

  Fiction book (1996)

• "I'm just tired," I croaked. Pete took my hand up in both of his.

  Fiction book (1995)

• - You're gonna croak in there if you don't shut up!

  Rad (1986)

• "What happened," she croaked, in a thick sleep-deprived voice.

  Fiction book (2002)

• "We're under new management," the toad-man croaked, and at that the laughter rang outright.

  Fiction book (1995)

• " They're back," Brother S croaked, a raspy tightness in his throat, his gaunt face distraught.

  Fiction book (1993)

• "I really don't like the way he always croaks about the new policies."

Synonyms

G

to grunt

vsto croak

355 4.2

To make a short low sound to show effort, pain, or dislike

is more communicative, serving as quiet complaining noises rather than effort sounds

W

to whine

vsto croak

• Informal

211 2.8

To complain in a high, annoying voice

is lower and more muffled rather than high pitched complaint

G

to groan

vsto croak

195 1.6

To make a low deep sound to show pain, discomfort or dislike

is primarily brief complaining noises rather than long sounds of pain

M

to moan

vsto croak

177 1.0

To make a low, long sound to show pain, discomfort, or displeasure

is shorter and more about quiet complaining than prolonged sounds

M

to mutter

vsto croak

140 3.7

To speak quietly so others cannot hear, often to complain

is shorter and more like quick underbreath complaining noises

G

to growl

vsto croak

76 2.2

To make a low, deep sound to warn or show anger

is milder and serves as quiet complaint rather than aggressive warning

G

to grumble

vsto croak

41 3.7

To complain quietly in a low voice

is more like short low remarks often under the breath

H

to hiss

vsto croak

31 4.2

To speak in a low, sharp voice to show anger or warn someone

is voiced and more about low, muttered complaining than hissing

M

to murmur

vsto croak

11 4.2

To speak in a low, quiet voice, often to complain or say something softly

is harsher and more focused on short, gruff underbreath remarks

G

to grumble about

vsto croak

6 4.1

To complain quietly about something you do not like

is usually shorter and more about brief underbreath noises

R

to rasp

vsto croak

5 7.6

To speak in a harsh, grating voice

is less harsh and more about low, complaining underbreath noises

G

to groan at

vsto croak

1 4.1

Make a low sound or complain to show you are annoyed at something

is typically briefer and more like a quick underbreath comment

H

to harrumph

vsto croak

• Archaic

1 9.8

To clear your throat with a short gruff sound to show annoyance or disapproval

is more like quiet complaining noises rather than throat clearing gestures

H

to humph

vsto croak

• Informal

1 8.9

To make a short low sound to show disapproval or doubt

is more verbal and often contains whispered complaining content

M

to mump

vsto croak

• Archaic

9.9

To mutter complaints quietly so others cannot hear

is more pointed and often consists of brief low sounds

H

to hmph

vsto croak

• Informal

9.9

To make a short sound to show annoyance or doubt

is longer and more like brief complaining remarks under the breath

H

to humpf

vsto croak

• Informal

9.9

To make a short sound to show annoyance or doubt

is more likely to be a short spoken complaint under the breath

Antonyms

C

cheer

205 1.0

A loud shout people make to show approval or support

How Complaining

to complain

∞ 1.0

to grumble

41 3.7

to croak

• Informal

4 6.3

to mutter

140 3.7

to murmur

11 4.2

Surface Forms

Etymology