to harrumph

Examples

• All

• The bookseller harrumphed and placed the package on the table.

  Fiction book (1992)

• Galileo harrumphed and looked back at the text on the instrument.

  Fiction book (1998)

• She harrumphed at me and pointed her little chin straight into the air.

  Fiction book (2000)

• Warbler actually harrumphed as he stormed out of the building.

  Academic text (2009)

• "Met him with the Covent Garden crowd." "Poor man indeed," Storey harrumphed with a sarcastic tone.

  Fiction book (1990)

• When Madge Feeney, the school secretary, learned that Kathleen still hadn't used it, Madge harrumphed and made the appointment for her.

  Fiction book (2002)

• The teacher harrumphed loudly to signal that the class should pay attention.

• As the meeting dragged on, he harrumphed in frustration, showing his disapproval.

• She harrumphed softly, indicating her doubt about the plan proposed by her colleague.

Synonyms

G

to grunt

vsto harrumph

355 4.2

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

is a noisy throat-clear used to signal annoyance or doubt

G

to groan

vsto harrumph

195 1.6

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

is a short noisy throat-clear used for annoyance rather than pain

M

to moan

vsto harrumph

177 1.0

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

is a brief noisy throat-clear used mainly to show annoyance or doubt

G

to growl

vsto harrumph

76 2.2

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

is a throat-clear noise used to show human annoyance or doubt

H

to hiss

vsto harrumph

31 4.2

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

is a guttural throat-clear sound rather than a sharp sibilant noise

G

to grumble

vsto harrumph

7 3.7

To make a long low sound like distant thunder

is a single noisy throat-clear rather than a long continuous complaint

C

to croak

vsto harrumph

• Informal

4 6.3

To make quiet complaining sounds under your breath

is a louder throat-clear meant to show annoyance more openly

H

to hmph

vsto harrumph

• Informal

9.9

To make a short sound to show annoyance or doubt

is louder and throat-clearing to show annoyance or doubt

M

to mump

vsto harrumph

• Archaic

9.9

To mutter complaints quietly so others cannot hear

is a clear noisy throat signal used openly to show annoyance

Antonyms

A

to applaud

136 3.2

To show praise in public for a person or idea

How Gruff

to snort

52 3.7

to harrumph

• Archaic

1 9.8

to clear the throat

2.7

ahem

3 9.3

Surface Forms

Etymology