Synonyms of growl

growl 1 of 2

verb

ˈgrau̇(-ə)l 

1

as in to complain

to express dissatisfaction, pain, or resentment usually tiresomely

he was growling about how much work he had to do

Synonyms & Similar Words

• complain
• scream
• whine
• moan
• mutter
• grumble
• whimper
• squeal
• worry
• kick
• murmur
• wail
• squawk
• bitch
• cry
• holler
• yowl
• inveigh
• nag
• grouse
• bleat
• beef
• caterwaul
• gripe
• keen
• croak
• grizzle
• repine
• whinge
• crab
• bellyache
• yawp
• carp
• protest
• yammer
• grouch
• kvetch
• kick up a fuss
• grump
• fuss
• sob
• object (to)
• quarrel (with)
• maunder
• cavil
• stew
• quibble
• fret
• blubber
• lament
• bewail
• bemoan
• deplore

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• delight
• rejoice
• tolerate
• accept
• take
• bear
• endure
• crow
• countenance
• cheer
• applaud
• commend

2

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

• roar
• rumble
• scream
• cry
• bellow
• thunder
• boom
• shriek
• grumble
• shout
• yell
• screech
• howl
• roll
• bang
• squall
• blare
• wail
• holler
• peal
• whoop
• bell
• bawl
• blast
• hoot
• yowl
• caterwaul
• call

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• whisper
• grunt
• mouth
• mumble
• murmur
• mutter
• squeak
• whimper
• mewl
• pule

3

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

• rumble
• grumble
• roll
• thunder
• bellow
• lumber
• drum
• boom

growl

2 of 2

noun

as in snarl

Related Words

• snarl
• wince
• smirk
• flinch
• scowl
• grimace
• frown
• sneer
• rictus
• pout
• mouth
• mow
• moue
• lower
• squinch
• simper
• stare
• glower
• glare
• scoff
• face
• mug
• look
• snoot

Dissimilar Words

• smile
• laugh
• grin

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of growl

Verb

As Koji’s character is thrust into a cage at an underground prison brawl, Momoa’s Blanka can be heard growling off screen. — Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 30 July 2026

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

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