verbs - Right word to represent "speaking with low audible voice"?


Please consider the following sentence



"Oh my god, bad opening for the day", the shopkeeper ____ while seeing the trouble making customer and flashed a smile when customer approached him.



Which word of the below suits for the blank. Please find the words along with dictionary meanings:



Whisper= speak very softly using one's breath without one's vocal cords, esp. for the sake of privacy


Murmur = a soft, indistinct sound made by a person or group of people speaking quietly or at a distance


Mutter = say something in a low or barely audible voice, esp. in dissatisfaction or irritation:


Mumble = say something indistinctly and quietly, making it difficult for others to hear



Seems to be all words are suitable for the blank.




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