barks 1 of 3

Definition of barksnext
plural of bark

barks

2 of 3

verb (1)

present tense third-person singular of bark
as in peels
to remove the natural covering of barking a tree will probably kill it

Synonyms & Similar Words

barks

3 of 3

verb (2)

present tense third-person singular of bark
as in shouts
to speak sharply or irritably the new supervisor found that speaking to people with a civil tongue got better results than barking at them

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 barks
Noun
One hums with high-speed drills and anxiety; the other echoes with joyful barks and tail wags. Henry I. Miller, STAT, 28 Jan. 2026 On our third day, a late-afternoon beach landing on Sante Fe deposited us amid a colony of sleeping sea lions, their barks and coughs reverberating across the sandy shore. Julia Zaltzman, Robb Report, 26 Jan. 2026 The duo jumped and screamed in celebration, with their dogs joining the fun with a few barks and squeals. Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 15 Dec. 2025 Peppermint is a classic option, but the world of chocolate barks is so much broader than just that one flavor. Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 12 Dec. 2025 Two holiday barks sold at Aldi have been recalled nationwide. Jenna Anderson, Health, 1 Dec. 2025 Kates said the dogs at the home have aggressive barks but had not bitten anyone before. Abby Dodge, CBS News, 19 Nov. 2025 The barks could also have been due to fear and stress or the dog's lack of socialization with cats. Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Oct. 2025 Well, a University of Texas at Arlington researcher is aiming to turn barks, howls and whimpers of man’s best friend into intelligible speech — a kind of Rosetta Stone of woof. Miriam Fauzia, Boston Herald, 12 Oct. 2025
Verb
And perhaps some—Ho Jin just barks at him to take it all and grumbles that Ji Seon is a bad influence. Hannah Abraham, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026 Ackie mostly barks orders at her minions to go get him, while Nighy in his home plays the bad guy demanding blood. Pete Hammond, Deadline, 28 Jan. 2026 Providing some respite from the violent mayhem are scenes in which Manafort stares intently at computer screens tracking what’s going on and the new MI6 chief (Ackie) barks orders at her underlings. Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 28 Jan. 2026 Trump barks in the presentation — audio clipped from previous speeches against his rival. Jordan Hoffman, Entertainment Weekly, 26 Dec. 2025 And as the person behind the camera approaches the pit bull, the dog growls and barks while standing in a fearful crouch. Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 15 Dec. 2025 At at 35% off during early Black Friday, this is a deal that barks for itself. PC Magazine, 11 Nov. 2025 Everyone barks in unison when the questioning is complete. Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 22 Oct. 2025 Perhaps a dog barks too much, a cat roams through the yard, or pets are relieving themselves in unwanted areas. Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for barks
Noun
  • It is widely regarded as a navalized successor to earlier Chinese stealth drone programs, optimized for operation from large surface ships equipped with advanced launch systems.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 4 Feb. 2026
  • The bridge would also have a higher clearance to accommodate larger cargo ships, according to the proposal.
    Adam Thompson, CBS News, 4 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Today, Aldo’s children, Francesco and Laura, continue to build aluminum yachts under the Tuxedo name.
    Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 2 Feb. 2026
  • The turquoise waters of the Caribbean are perfectly broken up by a Jackson Pollock-esque splattering of yachts, often of the mega variety.
    Molly Barstein, Vogue, 1 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Japan has long banned arms exports but has significantly eased restrictions in recent years and is now developing next-generation fighter jets with the UK and Italy while finalizing a deal to sell frigates to Australia.
    Mari Yamaguchi, Los Angeles Times, 31 Dec. 2025
  • Destroyers, frigates, fighter jets and bombers also carried out simulated strikes on maritime targets.
    Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 30 Dec. 2025
Noun
  • Like sailboats, ice boats are wind-powered, but sit upon three ice blades.
    Emma Seiwell, New York Daily News, 7 Feb. 2026
  • Along the western edge of the Netherlands, where long stretches of blue sea meet shores painted with pine trees, windmills, and sailboats, lies Domburg—a 16th-century village in the maritime province of Zeeland.
    Katherine McGrath, Architectural Digest, 22 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Barks.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/barks. Accessed 9 Feb. 2026.

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