mutter
Grouse under breath
Mutter is to speak in a low, indistinct voice, often as an expression of discontent or complaint: He muttered something under his breath and walked away.
Unlike whispering, which is quiet by design, muttering suggests words half-swallowed, not meant to be clearly heard.
People mutter when annoyed but unwilling to confront directly.
Speak softly, indistinctly
- undertoneSubdued background quality
- sotto voceIn an undertone
- lowNot elevated
- hushedReduced to silence
quiet · indistinct · inaudible · unintelligible · garbled · slurred · inarticulate · breathe
Voice minor displeasure
Sullenly dissatisfied
- resentfulFeeling lingering ill will
- dissatisfiedUnhappy with results
- sullenSilently bad-tempered
- broodingAnxiously dwelling on something
bitter · seething · displeased · unhappy · irritated · aggrieved · malcontent · frustrated
Brief theatrical digression
- privateRestricted to certain parties
- confidentialMeant to stay secret
- conspiratorialSuggesting secret plotting
- furtiveSecretive and sly
stealthy · covert · discreet · secretive · whispered · guarded · suppressed · concealed
mumble
Speak softly, indistinctly
- undertoneSubdued background quality
- sotto voceIn an undertone
- lowNot elevated
hushed · quiet · indistinct · inaudible · unintelligible · garbled · slurred · inarticulate · breathe · half-heard
gripe
Voice minor displeasure
bellyache · whine · moan · fuss · nag · grouch · groan · bleat · squawk · growl
disgruntled
Sullenly dissatisfied
- resentfulFeeling lingering ill will
- dissatisfiedUnhappy with results
- sullenSilently bad-tempered
brooding · bitter · seething · displeased · unhappy · irritated · aggrieved · malcontent · frustrated · simmering
aside
Brief theatrical digression
- privateRestricted to certain parties
- confidentialMeant to stay secret
- conspiratorialSuggesting secret plotting
furtive · stealthy · covert · discreet · secretive · whispered · guarded · suppressed · concealed · hidden
mutterarticulate
Express clearly, or well-spoken
enunciate · declaim · elocute · annunciate
- mutter paneerIndian peas-and-cheese dish
mutt, muttered, muttering, mutters, mutterer, mutterings, mutterers