groan
Sound of displeasure
A groan is a deep, inarticulate sound expressing pain, despair, or displeasure: He let out a groan when he saw the bill.
People groan at bad jokes, groan under heavy burdens, and groan with effort.
Things can groan too—floorboards groan under weight, economies groan under debt.
The word captures both the sound and the weariness behind it.
Low, discontented murmuring
- gripeVoice minor displeasure
- whineComplain in high pitch
- lamentMournful expression of grief
- bemoanExpress grief vocally
protest · kvetch · bellyache · fuss · carp · mutter · object · grievance
Audible emotional breath
- gruntLow guttural sound
- whimperQuiet, plaintive cry
- murmurSoft, indistinct continuous sound
- growlLow threatening sound
wail · sob · gasp · wheeze · rasp · exhale · rumble · bellow
Disapproving exclamation
- scoffMock with disdain
- eye-rollGesture of exasperation
- sighAudible emotional breath
- frownDisapproving facial expression
grimace · disdain · exasperation · derision · dismay · rebuke · reproach · annoyance
Persistent dull discomfort
- throbBeat with intensity
- twingeBrief, sharp sensation
- agonyExtreme physical or emotional pain
- sufferingSustained experience of distress
anguish · torment · distress · pang · wince · grimace · writhe · cringe
Forceful lift or throw
- strainExcessive stretching force
- pushForce something away
- liftMechanism for vertical transport
- haulPull or carry laboriously
exertion · struggle · labor · wrestle · hoist · tug · shove · grunt
Wooden panel underfoot
- hingeMovable connecting joint
- timberWood for construction
- beamStructural support member
- rafterSloped roof support
wood · door · stair · bedspring · ship · hull · planks · joists
Weariness from prolonged exertion
- exhaustionState of utter depletion
- tirednessState of needing rest
- lethargyAbnormal drowsiness and apathy
- burnoutChronic occupational depletion
sluggishness · ennui · listlessness · drained · weary · spent · overworked · sapped
grumble
Low, discontented murmuring
bemoan · protest · kvetch · bellyache · fuss · carp · mutter · object · grievance · discontent
sigh
Audible emotional breath
growl · wail · sob · gasp · wheeze · rasp · exhale · rumble · bellow · howl
tut
Disapproving exclamation
frown · grimace · disdain · exasperation · derision · dismay · rebuke · reproach · annoyance · frustration
ache
Persistent dull discomfort
suffering · anguish · torment · distress · pang · wince · grimace · writhe · cringe · hurt
heave
Forceful lift or throw
haul · exertion · struggle · labor · wrestle · hoist · tug · shove · grunt · toil
floorboard
Wooden panel underfoot
rafter · wood · door · stair · bedspring · rafter · ship · hull · planks · joists
fatigue
Weariness from prolonged exertion
- exhaustionState of utter depletion
- tirednessState of needing rest
- lethargyAbnormal drowsiness and apathy
burnout · sluggishness · ennui · listlessness · drained · weary · spent · overworked · sapped · collapse
- "long O" wordsgo, no, so, oh, boat
- complaintscomplaint, complain, complaints, complaint form, complaint letter
- criescry, scream, shout, yell, wail
- crowd soundsapplause, boo, booing, boos, cheer
- exasperationugh, sigh, argh, geez, jeez
- frustration gesturesfacepalm, eye roll, heavy sigh, fist clench, head shake
- groaning boardFood-laden feast table