carp
verb (used without object)
to find fault or complain querulously or unreasonably; be niggling in criticizing; cavil.
carped
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past participleof carp.past participle
A verb form used in perfect and passive verb constructions and that can also function as a modifier.
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past tense formof carp.past tense
Used to describe completed actions or previous habitual actions.
carpverb (used without object)to find fault or complain querulously or unreasonably; be niggling in criticizing; cavil.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Senior executives carped about Chapek to Disney board members.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 20, 2026
And after violating a gag order 10 times, he carped carefully, particularly after Merchan threatened jail time.
From Seattle Times ● May 21, 2024
“You’re no fun anymore,” carped a college buddy I’d once partied with.
From Salon ● Dec. 30, 2023
Mr Trump often carped about President Barack Obama's penchant for golf.
From BBC ● Aug. 4, 2017
Indeed, after an enormous strain of the constructive intellect, a man may be in no humour to have his work carped at, even to improve it.
From Practical Essays by Alexander Bain
