GROWL Synonyms: 124 Similar and Opposite Words

growl 1 of 2

verb

ˈgrau̇(-ə)l

Definition of growl

as in to complain

to express dissatisfaction, pain, or resentment usually tiresomely he was growling about how much work he had to do

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to roar

to make a long loud deep noise or cry the neighbor's dog growls every time we pass the house

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to rumble

to make a low heavy rolling sound I'm sorry my stomach is growling, but I'm just really hungry

Synonyms & Similar Words

growl

2 of 2

noun

as in snarl

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of growl

Verb

This could include sniffing around more than usual or barking and growling at odd places like piles of leaves. — Ashley Chalmers, The Spruce, 3 July 2026 Could the growling creature be responsible for the gouges by Zampanò’s dead body? — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 12 June 2026

Noun

While the officer's body camera was not recording audio at the time the shots were fired, Schielke said her clients never heard the dog bark or growl. — Dillon Thomas, CBS News, 9 June 2026 Brith, filled with a sudden dread, stands very still, watching it, and the dog, sensing something, emits a low growl. — Maggie O’Farrell, Literary Hub, 2 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for growl

Recent Examples of Synonyms for growl

Verb

Kayley starts service with a positive attitude, hoping to give the guests no reason to complain.

— Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 18 Aug. 2026
That Sean Payton won by 20 on the road and still spent a good chunk of his postgame presser either complaining, yammering about Jack Lemmon, or both, is a heck of a good sign.

— Troy Renck, Denver Post, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of complain

Verb

However, the group has come roaring back as Wall Street increasingly views AI as a reason companies will need to spend more, not less, on protection from digital threats.

— Alexa LoMonaco, CNBC, 17 Aug. 2026
Video shot by OnScene TV on August 9 showed people rushing in and out of the store, some carrying merchandise, as roaring engines and squealing tires are heard in the background.

— David Zahniser, Los Angeles Times, 16 Aug. 2026

Definition of roar

Verb

There is a very slim 5-10% chance of a shower or rumble across the Red River counties on Monday; otherwise, there is no rain in sight.

— Michael Autovino, CBS News, 17 Aug. 2026
Donovan Ferrufino rumbles up the middle for a 51-yard touchdown run, breaking through two defenders at about the 20 on his way in.

— Buddy Collings, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of rumble

Noun

Arguably the standout set of the entire festival, her set was grimy and dark, featuring songs off her new album, Music, Fashion, Film, for the first time with a permanent snarl.

— Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 3 Aug. 2026
The wildly popular Instagram page was offline for a hot minute, leaving the general pop pining for videos on the myriad zany happenings in our city, from traffic snarls and celebrity shenanigans to animal encounters and fights outside the club.

— Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 30 July 2026

Definition of snarl

Verb

She was awakened in the middle of the night by her barking dog and the sound of a woman screaming in the street.

— City News Service, Daily News, 19 Aug. 2026
Audio from her cousin's phone call to the Palestinian Red Crescent emergency service captured 15-year-old Layan describing the chaotic scene around her, amid the sound of gunfire and screaming, before the call dropped.

— Frank Andrews, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of scream

Verb

Hall wrote in his report that Hamilton lay down in the backseat of the police vehicle, moaning and not responding, prompting first responders to give him Narcan.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 14 Aug. 2026
After the guards left, the man continued to moan; his cellmates called for a doctor.

— Joshua Yaffa, New Yorker, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of moan

Verb

That’s when Way mutters the p-word — under his breath for plausible deniability, but certainly still with the intention of being heard, smirking at the sound of my laughter.

— Selome Hailu, Variety, 18 Aug. 2026
This was 1872, and the pious (and patronizing) commentators of the time muttered that Damien’s unvarnished personality was due to his simple farm upbringing in rural Belgium.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 20 July 2026

Definition of mutter

Browse Nearby Words

growing up

growl

growled

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“Growl.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/growl. Accessed 22 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of growl

verb

noun

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