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
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
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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And also on Untucked… • Discord complains about Nini being in the top basically all episode, while other queens like Jane try to kindly not get down in the mud with her.—
Jason P. Frank,
Vulture,
3 Jan. 2026
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Trump complains often that both rooms are too small.—
Darlene Superville,
Los Angeles Times,
31 Dec. 2025
Verb
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China’s leaders made boosting demand at home their top economic priority in 2026, a reminder of Beijing’s domestic challenges even as its export engine roars ahead.—
J.D. Capelouto,
semafor.com,
8 Dec. 2025
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Each year, the town of 4,400 people roars to life with its seasonal bash, ushering in the winter to come with joy, laughter, and plenty of mulled wine.—
Stacey Leasca,
Travel + Leisure,
8 Dec. 2025
Verb
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Taylor Swift is not the only pop star football superfan showing up in style to cheer on her significant other as the NFL season rumbles to a close.—
Gil Kaufman,
Billboard,
29 Dec. 2025
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Deep in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado, a train rumbles down a rugged valley.—
Evie Carrick,
Travel + Leisure,
7 Nov. 2025
Noun
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Despite headwinds like tariffs, supply chain snarls and higher costs for solar panels and other components, Fishman said, the initiative is having an impact.—
Sacbee.com,
Sacbee.com,
9 Jan. 2026
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And, two, worldwide supply chain snarls also stemming from the pandemic.—
Dana Taylor,
USA Today,
8 Jan. 2026
Verb
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George Oliver Floating Fluted Nightstands There’s something about a pair of floating nightstands that just screams luxury, and this set is no exception.—
Brittney Morgan,
Travel + Leisure,
12 Jan. 2026
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The Kings are still in the playoff picture and the Pacific Division race, even with a season that screams mediocrity.—
Eric Stephens,
New York Times,
10 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Shannon moans right about the time Jenn walks out to see what the commotion is all about.—
Peter Larsen,
Oc Register,
10 Oct. 2025
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 18 Jan. 2026.
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