What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
muttered
Example
He muttered something under his breath as he walked away. [muttered: verb]
Example
She muttered about the poor service at the restaurant. [muttered: past tense]
whispered
Example
She whispered the secret to her friend so that no one else could hear. [whispered: verb]
Example
He leaned in and whispered in her ear. [whispered: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Whispered is more commonly used than muttered in everyday language. Whispered is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while muttered is less common and often used in specific situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between muttered and whispered?
Whispered is typically associated with a more formal tone, while muttered is more informal and casual in nature.