caterwaul 1 of 2

verb

ˈka-tər-ˌwȯl How to pronounce caterwaul (audio)
Definition of caterwaulnext
as in to complain
to express dissatisfaction, pain, or resentment usually tiresomely like many kids during summer vacation, they were caterwauling about the lack of things to do

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

caterwaul

2 of 2

noun

as in yowl

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of caterwaul
Verb
That said, Shelton’s lyrics are much more darkly relatable and heartbreaking than someone caterwauling about being their own worst enemy. — Brenna Ehrlich, Rolling Stone, 21 June 2023 An ambulance caterwauled down Sunset Boulevard, which runs parallel one block below. — Matthew Gavin Frank, Harper's Magazine, 21 Oct. 2022
Recent Examples of Synonyms for caterwaul
  1. complain
  2. yowl
  3. scream
  4. screech
  5. whine
  6. moan
  7. squawk
  8. roar
Verb
  • While many people who renounced their citizenship complained of being unhappy with the political climate in the US, another reason for their decision is often taxes, Alistair Bambridge, a partner at Bambridge Accountants, told CNN in August 2020.
    — Edward Szekeres, CNN, 5 Mar. 2025
  • Trump and Vice President JD Vance clashed dramatically with the Ukrainian leader in the Oval Office Friday after Zelenskyy complained about Russian President Vladimir Putin.
    — Riley Beggin, USA TODAY, 4 Mar. 2025
Definition of complain
Noun
  • Yes, that would be Post Malone, who convincingly simulated Kurt Cobain’s phlegmy yowls, rocking the mic as Dave Grohl, Pat Smear and Krist Novoselic thrashed and crashed around him.
    — Melissa Ruggieri, USA TODAY, 15 Feb. 2025
  • As a shape-shifting rock poet — a prophet with a nasal yowl — Dylan and his opaque words were particularly attractive for theorists of the literary, musical and conspiratorial varieties.
    — Corey Kilgannon, New York Times, 10 Jan. 2025
Definition of yowl
Verb
  • There, Garrett screamed at his girlfriend, a guest in a neighboring room would later tell Tricia.
    — Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 Mar. 2025
  • This cutout, one-shoulder suit, $165 at Nordstrom, is daring and screams glamour.
    — Nora Colomer, Fox News, 4 Mar. 2025
Definition of scream
Noun
  • The jungle struck up its evening symphony: the sweet chittering of insects, the distant bellowing of monkeys, the occasional screech of a kite.
    — Charlie Cordero, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2025
  • But as the race against former President Trump screeches into its final week, joy has taken the back seat.
    — David Lauter, Los Angeles Times, 26 Oct. 2024
Definition of screech
Verb
  • One day, the sky was grey, wind blew up my pant legs, giant construction machines whined loudly down the street, and a neighbor’s windchimes unleashed a flurry of complaints.
    — Kate Siber, Outside Online, 3 Mar. 2025
  • As to the kids’ responses, the more genial Olmo is not above whining, while parental demands usually provoke flat-out insolence from Ana, who breathes cigarette smoke like dragon fire.
    — Sheri Linden, The Hollywood Reporter, 17 Feb. 2025
Definition of whine
Verb
  • Thompson and Nwodim moaned as Gardner said a customer was shot during an argument over Drake and Kendrick.
    — Lynette Rice, Deadline, 1 Mar. 2025
  • And all that online chatter, all those detractors who keep moaning about the Chiefs playing in the biggest games of the year every year?
    — Kyle Feldscher, CNN, 8 Feb. 2025
Definition of moan
Noun
  • The Republican conference is rife with sticking points as budget hawks squawk and some House Republicans insist on increasing the state and local tax deduction.
    — Taylor Giorno, The Hill, 30 Dec. 2024
  • There’s no dialogue, at least none decipherable to human ears — everything is a symphony of meows, woofs, squawks, grunts, squeaks, squeals and simian cries.
    — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 20 Nov. 2024
Definition of squawk
Noun
  • As the needle creeps higher, the Aston Martin relaxes into its comfort zone and the exhaust sounds open up with a throaty roar.
    — Kristin Shaw, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025
  • But roars rang out for the police officers who tried to protect the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, and their unyielding assessments of Trump and his pardon of 1,500 supporters who breached the seat of Congress, including many who violently attacked law enforcement.
    — Bill Barrow, Chicago Tribune, 24 Feb. 2025
Definition of roar

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Cite this Entry

“Caterwaul.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/caterwaul. Accessed 19 Mar. 2025.

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