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to croak

to croak

13 6.3
To make quiet complaining sounds under your breath
  • verb
  • /kroʊk/
  • Informal
: rezongar
  • Fumbling with the mouthpiece, I croaked, "Hello?" A baby-doll woman's voice came onto the line, childish and high.
  • croaking voice
  • "Yes," croaked
  • "No," croaked

Examples

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

  • You croak too much against Moses.

  • - You want to croak then?

  • "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!

  • "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

to grunt
vsto croak
433 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
to groan
vsto croak
322 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
to whine
vsto croak
  • Informal
253 2.8

To complain in a high, annoying voice

is lower and more muffled rather than high pitched complaint
to moan
vsto croak
194 1.0

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

is shorter and more about quiet complaining than prolonged sounds
to growl
vsto croak
187 2.2

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

is milder and serves as quiet complaint rather than aggressive warning
to mutter
vsto croak
136 3.7

To speak quietly so others cannot hear, often to complain

is shorter and more like quick underbreath complaining noises
to murmur
vsto croak
84 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
to grumble
vsto croak
46 3.7

To complain quietly in a low voice

is more like short low remarks often under the breath
to grumble about
vsto croak
10 4.1

To complain quietly about something you do not like

is usually shorter and more about brief underbreath noises
to rasp
vsto croak
6 7.6

To speak in a harsh, grating voice

is less harsh and more about low, complaining underbreath noises
to humpf
vsto croak
  • Informal
5 9.9

To make a short sound to show annoyance or doubt

is more likely to be a short spoken complaint under the breath
to groan at
vsto croak
2 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
to hiss
vsto croak
2 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
to harrumph
vsto croak
  • Archaic
2 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
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
to mump
vsto croak
  • Archaic
1 9.9

To mutter complaints quietly so others cannot hear

is more pointed and often consists of brief low sounds
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

Antonyms

127 1.0

A loud shout people make to show approval or support

How Complaining

to complain
∞ 1.0
to grumble
46 3.7
to croak
  • Informal
13 6.3
to mutter
136 3.7
to murmur
84 4.2

Surface Forms

croak infinitive
croaked past
croaked past participle
croaking present participle
croaks third person singular

Etymology

Croak was also used by people to compare quiet, rough talk to an animal noise, so to croak can mean to make low, complaining sounds or to grumble quietly.