moan

To complain about something, often in an annoying way.

• Stop moaning about the food.
• He moaned that the tickets were too expensive.
• Why do you always moan about work?

How to use it: moan about something (He keeps moaning about the weather.); moan to someone about something (She moaned to me about her workload.)

Similar words: complain, grumble, whine

Common phrases: moan about something, moan to someone, moan and complain

To make a low, long sound because of pain, sadness, or pleasure.

• The injured man moaned softly.
• She moaned with pleasure during the massage.
• He was moaning in his sleep.

How to use it: moan with something (He moaned with pain when he moved.); moan in pain (The patient moaned in pain.)

Similar words: groan

Common phrases: moan in pain, moan with pleasure, moan softly

A low, long sound someone makes because of pain, sadness, or pleasure.

• A low moan came from the bedroom.
• He let out a moan of pain.
• We heard soft moans from the injured passengers.

Similar words: groan

Common phrases: let out a moan, moan of pain, low moan