CATERWAUL Synonyms: 106 Similar and Opposite Words

caterwaul 1 of 2

verb

ˈka-tər-ˌwȯl

Definition of caterwaul

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

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

As a musician, Ono was known for singing in what has been described as a screechy, caterwauling voice, and many of her musical collaborations with Lennon were baffling to Beatles fans. — Barbara Spindel, Christian Science Monitor, 24 Mar. 2025 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 Until Ivey and the Department of Corrections can explain how the prison construction program caterwauled out of control, lawmakers should put the brakes on all state spending. — Kyle Whitmire, al, 17 Mar. 2023 An ambulance caterwauled down Sunset Boulevard, which runs parallel one block below. — Matthew Gavin Frank, Harper's Magazine, 21 Oct. 2022 In a season of a lively baseball, the Twins hit a silly number of home runs and came caterwauling out of the great north and took their division. — Michael Powell, New York Times, 8 Oct. 2019 Media outlets that caterwaul about all this become the victims of commercial crises. — The Economist, 21 June 2018 This lets Congress caterwaul on behalf of special interests while blaming Presidents for not punishing foreigners. — The Editorial Board, WSJ, 7 June 2018

Recent Examples of Synonyms for caterwaul

Verb

Journalists have complained that the lucrative and high-profile show is not subject to The Atlantic’s editorial rules, input, or oversight — yet a casual listener could easily take it for an Atlantic editorial product.

— Max Tani, semafor.com, 5 Oct. 2026
Kelker-Kelly reportedly had complained of chest pain shortly before becoming unresponsive, and the circumstances appeared consistent with a medical event, police said.

— Denise Petski, Deadline, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of complain

Verb

Set the scene The Homestead screams quirky, artful, and vintage yet restored—capturing a whimsical, fairytale ambiance embellished with hints of Southern charm.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
In reviewing the body camera footage, police found that the child was standing on the stairwell at one point and was screaming while holding her left arm up in the air, according to the warrant affidavit.

— Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 4 Oct. 2026

Definition of scream

Noun

Rihanna’s here, maniacal crowds are lining up outside shows to screech and wave at their favorite stars and days of runway events big and small lie ahead.

— Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 30 Sep. 2026
The screech of guitar feedback echoed from a makeshift stage outside, where a punk-rock band had just launched into their set, a fitting accompaniment to the bar’s kaleidoscopic selection of beer.

— Taran Dugal, New Yorker, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of screech

Noun

With every whimper, sigh, howl, bark and head tilt, these dogs create an empathetic portrayal of a highly intelligent creature that has been through battle and has the scars (and nightmares) to prove it.

— Katie Walsh, Los Angeles Times, 24 Sep. 2026
The howls of outrage from an undisclosed location in Europe reached our shores.

— Kevin Rennie, Hartford Courant, 19 Sep. 2026

Definition of howl

Verb

At the same time, Plog placed a phone call to a relative and can be heard moaning and screaming in pain.

— Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 18 Sep. 2026
Sam makes a production out of teasing them, mock-reaching for various items on the set as the whole group moans and wails in distress.

— Tasha Robinson, Vulture, 8 Sep. 2026

Definition of moan

Noun

In a separate incident involving a squawk 7700 in July, a Southwest Airlines flight departing Kahului, Hawaii, sent out a squawk 7700 after a passenger experienced a medical issue on board, the airline confirmed to PEOPLE at the time.

— Natalia Senanayake, PEOPLE, 2 Sep. 2026
For aviation geeks or those who simply want to keep track of their plane’s unique flying data and route, squawk codes can be tracked on apps and websites like Flightradar24 and Flight Beacon.

— Staff Author, Travel + Leisure, 22 July 2026

Definition of squawk

Browse Nearby Words

cater (to)

caterwaul

caterwauled

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“Caterwaul.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/caterwaul. Accessed 10 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of caterwaul

verb

noun

Example Sentences

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