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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of growl
Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 6 Aug. 2025
The raw power of his voice overwhelmed the space, alternating between a feminine falsetto and masculine growl—often within the same song.
—Tony Gervino, HollywoodReporter, 5 Aug. 2025
Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 6 Sep. 2025
The scene’s amniotic shoppe Muzak is suddenly overridden by a deep, growling synth.
—Lauren Michele Jackson, New Yorker, 23 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for growl
Verb
Foxes use a variety of calls, including barks, howls, yaps, and growls.
—Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 6 Aug. 2025
The raw power of his voice overwhelmed the space, alternating between a feminine falsetto and masculine growl—often within the same song.
—Tony Gervino, HollywoodReporter, 5 Aug. 2025
Noun
Video footage recorded by their owner Macie Lamb shows two pups, Ace and Tango growling at a decorative object that resembles a small ceramic dog wearing a ghost costume while holding a pumpkin in its mouth.
—Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 6 Sep. 2025
The scene’s amniotic shoppe Muzak is suddenly overridden by a deep, growling synth.
—Lauren Michele Jackson, New Yorker, 23 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for growl
Recent Examples of Synonyms for growl
Verb
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In April, 44-year-old Marie Ange Blaise, a Haitian, died while being held at GEO’s Pompano Beach facility after complaining of chest pains.—
Shirsho Dasgupta,
Miami Herald,
26 Sep. 2025
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And faculty worry that teaching certain subject matter and texts might offend students and, if students complain, lead to administrative sanctions.—
Louis Menand,
New Yorker,
26 Sep. 2025
Verb
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An offense that looked broken roared to life, building an 8-0 lead and creating enough cushion even for the Dodgers’ leaky bullpen to cling onto.—
Fabian Ardaya,
New York Times,
1 Oct. 2025
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Get ready to roar with live music from DV8, food and drinks, including ice cold beer from the Bud Light Tailgate Zone.—
Caroline Ritzie,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
1 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The Cavaliers still rumbled for 211 yards on 48 carries.—
David Teel,
Miami Herald,
27 Sep. 2025
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Everyone on the Eagles' sideline erupted in excitement as Davis rumbled down the field, except Hurts.—
Matt Audilet,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 Sep. 2025
Noun
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The result has been a seemingly endless run of East Washington Street roadwork and traffic snarls from Alabama Street downtown to I-465.—
Ryan Murphy,
IndyStar,
25 Sep. 2025
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There was talk of traffic snarls and strain on the power grid.—
Christopher Bonanos,
Curbed,
24 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Moments later, Holguin began screaming as the dogs — grabbing him around his legs and torso — dragged him toward the back of the driveway, Silva testified.—
Jakob Rodgers,
Mercury News,
26 Sep. 2025
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Her husband is directing a screaming grade-school-aged girl who is about to have a prosthetic finger bitten off.—
J. Kim Murphy,
Variety,
26 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The canine was filmed barking and whining incessantly while balancing himself on his owner's knees.—
Melissa Fleur Afshar,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 Sep. 2025
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The cats kept them up each night with their incessant whining and scratching at their doors.—
Duaa Eldeib,
ProPublica,
10 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The deputies ultimately roll him over before putting on handcuffs as Mull can be heard moaning in pain.—
Nathaniel Percy,
Oc Register,
26 Sep. 2025
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The recognizable munchies didn't stop the cast members from moaning, groaning and throwing up as usual.—
Breanne L. Heldman,
PEOPLE,
25 Sep. 2025
Verb
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But the other 3%, often muttered by students prospectively examining transfer applications, is distinct.—
Noah White,
Miami Herald,
30 Sep. 2025
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Your dad mutters for head movement, for cage cutting, for not playing off the back and creating distance.—
Matthew Shen Goodman,
Harpers Magazine,
19 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Growl.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/growl. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.
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