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

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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 caterwaul

Verb

Media outlets that caterwaul about all this become the victims of commercial crises. — The Economist, 21 June 2018 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 An ambulance caterwauled down Sunset Boulevard, which runs parallel one block below. — Matthew Gavin Frank, Harper's Magazine, 21 Oct. 2022 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 This lets Congress caterwaul on behalf of special interests while blaming Presidents for not punishing foreigners. — The Editorial Board, WSJ, 7 June 2018 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 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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for caterwaul

Verb

Also requested were documents related to a lawsuit, recently settled for $135,000, claiming Kramer had given an improper assessment of a property and retaliated against an employee who complained.

— Jakob Rodgers, Mercury News, 7 July 2026
Gal and Amora barely know each other, and Jaiden and Caleb have been complaining about one another for the past three days.

— Kathleen Walsh, Vulture, 6 July 2026

Definition of complain

Noun

On the floor, hundreds of people convulse to Blanco Teta’s ravenous yowls and monster-truck basslines off their July album La debacle de las divas.

— Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork, 18 Feb. 2026
Now fans can get a closer look at the man behind the pitch-perfect yowl, the pencil mustache and the flawless pompadour.

— Theater Critic, San Francisco Chronicle, 3 Feb. 2026

Definition of yowl

Verb

Police said that after the girl screamed, the video shows a man getting into his vehicle and driving away.

— Adam Thompson, CBS News, 1 July 2026
The couple’s relationship began with a friendship bracelet and a podcast shout-out in July 2023, and by September Swift was screaming profanities in support of her new favorite football player.

— Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 30 June 2026

Definition of scream

Noun

Equally notable throughout the game was the angry screech, reserved for whenever the Czech Republic players had the ball — or worse — were given a free kick.

— Jack Lang, New York Times, 26 June 2026
Guests range from ordinary commuters to figures like Cate Blanchett and Julian Casablancas, all subject to the same fluorescent lighting and ambient subway screech.

— Arushi Jacob, Variety, 19 June 2026

Definition of screech

Noun

Many American poets have written hymns and howls, declarations and outcries for this country that brims with so many people, and so many hopes, from all over the world.

— Scott Simon, NPR, 4 July 2026
The engine delivers a deep, purposeful hum rather than an all-out howl as the gears disappear in quick succession.

— Matthew MacConnell, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026

Definition of howl

Verb

The call lasted for 12 excruciating minutes, as Adams moaned in pain.

— Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 22 June 2026
Witnesses who observed those executions later shared unnerving, and, at times, horrific, accounts of inmates thrashing, moaning, or otherwise appearing to show signs of suffering after the nitrogen gas began to flow.

— Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 11 June 2026

Definition of moan

Noun

Air traffic control at Heathrow cleared the flight for a priority return after the pilots issued a squawk 7700 — the code for a general emergency.

— Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 12 June 2026
He was missed — especially vocally — since Gill’s angelic voice does not, in any way shape or form, resemble Walsh’s charmingly out-of-pitch squawk-talk style.

— Jim Harrington, Mercury News, 25 Jan. 2026

Definition of squawk

Browse Nearby Words

cater (to)

caterwaul

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“Caterwaul.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/caterwaul. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of caterwaul

verb

noun

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