grunt verb

ADV. loudly | merely, only He merely grunted at her and nodded his head.

PREP. at His father grunted at him as he left the room. | in She asked him a question and he grunted in reply. He grunted in pain. | with She stirred the soup, grunting with satisfaction.

PHRASES grunt and groan Grunting and groaning, they heaved the wardrobe up the stairs.