murmurings
Barely audible speech
Murmurings are quiet, indistinct sounds—soft voices, rustling leaves, flowing water.
The word often suggests discontent expressed in low tones rather than open protest: There were murmurings of dissatisfaction among the staff.
Murmurings can also be gentle and pleasant: the murmurings of a brook, lovers' murmurings in the dark.
Muttering in discontent
- complaintsExpressions of discontent
- grievancesFelt wrongs or injustices
- dissatisfactionState of being displeased
- unrestState of public disturbance
disaffection · objections · disapproval · resentment · disgruntlement · protest · criticism · opposition
Low continuous sounds
- hintsIndirect suggestions
- suggestionsProposed ideas or advice
- intimationsIndirect hints or suggestions
- undertonesSubtle underlying qualities
subtext · insinuations · implications · overtones · stirrings · undercurrents · signs · indications
Speaks very quietly
- hearsayUnverified secondhand information
- speculationUnproven theorizing or risky investment
- gossipInformal talk spreading rumors
- buzzContinuous low drone
innuendo · talk · scuttlebutt · chatter · tittle-tattle · conjecture · insinuation · whispering campaign
grumbling
Muttering in discontent
- complaintsExpressions of discontent
- grievancesFelt wrongs or injustices
- dissatisfactionState of being displeased
unrest · disaffection · objections · disapproval · resentment · disgruntlement · protest · criticism · opposition · indignation
rumblings
Low continuous sounds
- hintsIndirect suggestions
- suggestionsProposed ideas or advice
- intimationsIndirect hints or suggestions
undertones · subtext · insinuations · implications · overtones · stirrings · undercurrents · signs · indications · hidden meanings
whispers
Speaks very quietly
- hearsayUnverified secondhand information
- speculationUnproven theorizing or risky investment
- gossipInformal talk spreading rumors
buzz · innuendo · talk · scuttlebutt · chatter · tittle-tattle · conjecture · insinuation · whispering campaign · grapevine
whispers
Speaks very quietly
- susurrationSoft whispering noise
- rustlingSoft crackling noise
- hummingContinuous low-pitched sound
sibilance · undertone · muttering · babble · hum · drone · purl · cooing · breeze · buzzing
murmuringsproclamations
Formal public announcements
declarations · pronouncements · announcements · articulations · enunciations