1
as in complains
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 roars
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 growls
David Frum, The Atlantic, 2 Mar. 2026
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
Sturridge crows and growls his lines, rolling his torso and crouching to crawl on his knuckles like a young silverback.
—Sara Holdren, Vulture, 14 Dec. 2025
Foxes use a variety of calls, including barks, howls, yaps, and growls.
—Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 1 Dec. 2025
They are known to work in teams when hunting, and communicate with chirps, growls, whistles and body language.
—Rachael O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Sep. 2025
Go grab your passport, a wad of bail money, and enough thirst for wine that growls at history and food that tastes like the ocean punched you in the mouth.
—John Noakes, Hartford Courant, 12 Aug. 2025
Verb
China holds Tibet without noticeable bother, commits crimes against its Uyghur Muslim minority with impunity, launches acts of aggression against its neighbors in the South China Sea, and growls off any court or tribunal that looks askance—which few do.
—David Frum, The Atlantic, 2 Mar. 2026
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
Sturridge crows and growls his lines, rolling his torso and crouching to crawl on his knuckles like a young silverback.
—Sara Holdren, Vulture, 14 Dec. 2025
Foxes use a variety of calls, including barks, howls, yaps, and growls.
—Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 1 Dec. 2025
They are known to work in teams when hunting, and communicate with chirps, growls, whistles and body language.
—Rachael O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Sep. 2025
Go grab your passport, a wad of bail money, and enough thirst for wine that growls at history and food that tastes like the ocean punched you in the mouth.
—John Noakes, Hartford Courant, 12 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for growls
Verb
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Everyone complains about how expensive EVs are.—
Joel Feder,
The Drive,
12 Mar. 2026
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At the same time, the Brighton captain, Pascal Gross, complains to referee Chris Kavanagh.—
Stuart James,
New York Times,
6 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Those roars generate the same noise that Kobe Bryant and LeBron James have basked in time and again.—
Benjamin Royer,
Oc Register,
15 Mar. 2026
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Cold front on the way As a potent storm roars across the Great Lakes, a strong cold front will move across the eastern half of the United States in mid-March.—
Doyle Rice,
USA Today,
14 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The first one arrives after 10 this evening and will bring rain, and some storm rumbles to our area.—
Ron Smiley,
CBS News,
4 Mar. 2026
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The whole mountain rumbles when an avalanche rolls off it.—
Issy Ronald,
CNN Money,
22 Feb. 2026
Noun
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The lengthy delays to get through security checkpoints come as more travelers are going on trips for spring break and running into snarls because of the partial government shutdown.—
Austin Denean,
Baltimore Sun,
10 Mar. 2026
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But the scope of the IEEPA tariffs was so massive (to date, CBP and administration officials estimate IEEPA revenue rings in at up to $175 billion) that the process is bound to hit some snarls.—
Kate Nishimura,
Sourcing Journal,
24 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Made from a lightweight, drapey fabric that screams bohemian charm, this dress is designed for everything from a bathing suit cover-up to post-beach loungewear or humid nights out.—
Julia Morlino,
Travel + Leisure,
12 Mar. 2026
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Regardless, somewhere in the early rounds, maybe even as high as round one, this Giants depth chart screams a major need for a promising and plug-and-play corner.—
Pat Leonard,
New York Daily News,
10 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The Freight House building creaks and moans underfoot, and passing trains produce little more than a subtle hum.—
Nicole Letts,
Southern Living,
28 Feb. 2026
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Back in the car, Albert moans and groans while Billie shrieks in panic.—
Jordan Hoffman,
Entertainment Weekly,
23 Feb. 2026
Verb
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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
“Growls.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/growls. Accessed 19 Mar. 2026.
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