WHINY Synonyms: 33 Similar and Opposite Words

whiny

adjective

variants also whiney

Definition of whiny

as in whining

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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 whiny The choice to portray her as irritating, self-absorbed, whiny and inappropriate was no accident. — Leigh Blickley, Entertainment Weekly, 16 Mar. 2026 Bearing the brunt of a 100-degree day and an insufferably whiny Annette at the beach, Daisy vents to João about the kitchen’s lateness. — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 3 Mar. 2026 Regarding the whiny editorial about Jewel-Osco coupons, just what’s the big deal? — Chicago Tribune, 28 Feb. 2026 Yes, Dawson was whiny and moody and extremely self-centered, but so are a lot of teenagers. — Los Angeles Times, 12 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for whiny

Recent Examples of Synonyms for whiny

Adjective

Actor Mark Ruffalo, one of the deal’s most strident critics, has vowed to continue the fight.

— Todd Spangler, Variety, 3 Oct. 2026
The framework from Democratic Majority for Israel takes a less strident view on Netanyahu, who faces another election this month.

— Steven Sloan, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of strident

Adjective

To reduce the risk of PAM, the department advises trying to prevent water from going up your nose during freshwater activities, avoiding putting your head underwater in hot springs and thermal waters and only using distilled water for nasal rinsing.

— Adam England, PEOPLE, 17 Sep. 2026
There’s also a nasal spray for people ages 2 to 49, but it’s not recommended for people who are pregnant or immunocompromised.

— Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of nasal

Adjective

Donald, Mark, Willie, Billy, and Tony — practically everyone in Hollis within shouting distance of 203rd Street was laughing at me at earsplitting volume.

— Stephen A. Smith, Rolling Stone, 16 Jan. 2023
The Wall, though, will be delightfully old school in a cap tip to the court-hugging, earsplitting, rowdy venues of college basketball’s glory days.

— Bryce MillerColumnist, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Jan. 2023

Definition of earsplitting

Adjective

With a soprano voice that’s sharp but never shrill, O’Donovan can levitate a heartfelt melody over just about any kind of accompaniment.

— Mark Jenkins, Washington Post, 30 Sep. 2026
When Caleb Hammer, a thirty-one-year-old personal-finance YouTuber, gets particularly exasperated, his voice enters a shrill upper register.

— Brady Brickner-Wood, New Yorker, 28 Sep. 2026

Definition of shrill

Browse Nearby Words

whinnying

whiny

whip

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“Whiny.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/whiny. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of whiny

adjective

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