bark 1 of 3

verb (1)

Definition of barknext
as in to peel
to remove the natural covering of barking a tree will probably kill it

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bark

2 of 3

verb (2)

ˈbärk How to pronounce bark (audio)
as in to snarl
to speak sharply or irritably the new supervisor found that speaking to people with a civil tongue got better results than barking at them

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

bark

3 of 3

noun

as in ship
a boat equipped with one or more sails took a small bark out on the lake

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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 bark
Verb
Days or weeks passed, but then the dog barked, the mail carrier tramped onto the porch, the mailbox clattered. — Literary Hub, 13 July 2026 Early sips are big on citrus (specifically pomelo and lemon) and herbal tea, alongside lighter elements of cedar and birch barks. — David Thomas Tao, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026
Noun
Keep it a few inches away from the trunk to prevent moisture buildup on the bark. — Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 July 2026 Remove turf from under the tree’s canopy and apply a layer of organic mulch such as bark chips or shredded wood, extending to the drip line. — Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 19 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for bark
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bark
  1. snarl
  2. ship
  3. shout
  4. schooner
  5. yell
  6. frigate
  7. scream
  8. sloop
Verb
  • While that shutdown ostensibly ended in mid-November, a partial government shutdown dragged on through April, snarling the Department of Homeland Security and causing long delays and confusion at airports across the country.
    — Drew Pittock, USA Today, 23 July 2026
  • But this year, the measure has become snarled in tensions over defense spending levels and the SAVE America Act.
    — Chantelle Lee, Time, 22 July 2026
Definition of snarl
Noun
  • Choosing the right ship, however, is only one part of creating an exceptional journey.
    — Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 24 July 2026
  • The president’s claim came after Houthi rebels targeted Saudi ships in the Red Sea.
    — Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 24 July 2026
Definition of ship
Verb
  • Opposition lawmakers held placards and shouted slogans seeking Pradhan’s resignation outside the Parliament building and then disrupted proceedings inside, forcing the chambers to be repeatedly suspended.
    — Reuters, NBC news, 23 July 2026
  • There are definitely some new risks and threat vectors—there’s no shortage of people shouting about them from the rooftops.
    — RJ Friedman, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
Definition of shout
Noun
  • From there, walk toward Salem Maritime National Historical Park and Derby Wharf before getting back onto the water for a harbor cruise or schooner sail.
    — Jenn Sinrich, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 July 2026
  • One fishing vessel on view recalls the grisly story of Howard Blackburn, a Gloucester fisherman who went out as part of a big schooner to the Grand Banks.
    — Chadd Scott, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026
Definition of schooner
Verb
  • Grant, who is Black and deeply involved in historically Black organizing circles in Kansas City, was moderating the panel when Osborne allegedly began yelling at her.
    — Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 25 July 2026
  • After letting go of the minor, Schmidt yelled at both his parents and Pambianchi for the remainder of the evening, aggressively getting into Pambianchi's face multiple times.
    — Gabe White, Arkansas Online, 21 July 2026
Definition of yell
Noun
  • According to the officials, Pakistan Navy frigate PNS Zulfiqar was dispatched to the area where contact with the aircraft was lost.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 8 July 2026
  • Germany has decided to acquire eight MEKO A-200 warships from ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS), in place of six vessels under the F126 frigate program.
    — Abhishek Bhardwaj, Interesting Engineering, 25 June 2026
Definition of frigate
Verb
  • The shooting of Fuentes Zambrano cannot be seen on the footage, but a woman’s screams and four additional shots can be heard, per the complaint.
    — Ben Brachfeld, PEOPLE, 22 July 2026
  • The key is to train the mind to relax, just chill, even though somebody’s at the doorbell, even though somebody’s walking into the kitchen, little kids screaming through the house.
    — Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 20 July 2026
Definition of scream
Noun
  • Just two days after the Hannah was underway, her crew captured the Unity, a sloop loaded with naval stores and lumber, supplies sorely needed by British forces in Boston.
    — Christopher Magra, The Conversation, 2 June 2026
  • Palm Beach Motor Yachts has taken its supermaxi sloop to new heights—quite literally.
    — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 24 Feb. 2026
Definition of sloop

Browse Nearby Words

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bark
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Cite this Entry

“Bark.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bark. Accessed 27 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on bark

Nglish: Translation of bark for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about bark

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