harrumph

Examples

• All

• If Lewis and I could ever have had the chance to sit down over a couple of beers and talk, after a few pro forma harrumphs over the different religious symbolisms we use, we'd very quickly be talking the same language and saying many of the same things.

  Blog text (4)

• After the announcement, several members of the audience let out soft harrumphs of disagreement.

• -I didn't get a harrumph out of him.

  Blazing Saddles (1974)

• Harrumph, harrumph, harrumph.

  Blazing Saddles (1974)

• "Harrumph," Mr. Prior said.

  Fiction book (1995)

• He gave a disdainful harrumph.

  Fiction book (1997)

• I think of my father poised at the edge of his seat in Leacock's class when I pay attention to students, noting a harrumph, a yawn, or the spark of I-get-it.

  Fiction book (2002)

• The teacher's harrumph indicated her disapproval of the student's answer.

• He responded to the ridiculous suggestion with a loud harrumph, showing his clear disdain.

Synonyms

H

humph

vsharrumph

• Informal

1 9.1

A short low sound showing disapproval or doubt

is a gruff throat-clearing sound rather than a simple low sound

H

humpf

vsharrumph

• Informal

1 9.9

A short snort people make to show doubt or dislike

is a throat-clear gruff used to signal disapproval or doubt

Antonyms

P

praise

220 1.0

Words or actions that show admiration for someone

C

cheer

127 1.0

A loud shout people make to show approval or support

How Gruff

to snort

60 3.7

harrumph

• Archaic

1 9.2

to clear the throat

1 2.7

ahem

107 9.3

Surface Forms

Etymology