howl 1 of 2

noun

Definition of howlnext
1
as in wail
a crying out in grief we had to endure the puppy's mournful howls on her first night in our house

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2
as in shout
a loud vocal expression of strong emotion heard howls of laughter from the children watching the clown's silly antics

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3
as in roar
a violent shouting the crowd let out a howl of protest over the referee's call

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howl

2 of 2

verb

ˈhau̇(-ə)l How to pronounce howl (audio)
1
as in to scream
to make a long loud mournful sound several coyotes began howling close by as the sun went down the wind howled on the open plain

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2
as in to shriek
to cry out loudly and emotionally the boy howled in pain when his baby sister bit him

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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 howl
Noun
Many American poets have written hymns and howls, declarations and outcries for this country that brims with so many people, and so many hopes, from all over the world. — Scott Simon, NPR, 4 July 2026 The engine delivers a deep, purposeful hum rather than an all-out howl as the gears disappear in quick succession. — Matthew MacConnell, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
Verb
Julie, this book was inspired by your real-life poodle, who famously howled along during My Fair Lady rehearsals? — Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 11 Aug. 2026 Winds gusting beyond 50 miles per hour at times howled over bone-dry fuels itching to ignite. — Murphy Woodhouse, NPR, 7 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for howl
Recent Examples of Synonyms for howl
  1. wail
  2. shout
  3. roar
  4. scream
  5. shriek
  6. cry
  7. noise
  8. yell
Noun
  • Mourners beat their chests rhythmically in the intense summer heat, the wails of women cutting through the noise as the body of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was unveiled beneath a glass case at the Grand Mosalla.
    — Nadeen Ebrahim, CNN Money, 4 July 2026
  • After a second of consideration, Naim slams the grate shut to the monster’s wails, and the audience’s relief.
    — Arushi Jacob, Variety, 19 June 2026
Definition of wail
Noun
  • Clive and Roosevelt at last heard the shouts of the others and the wild baying cry of the lead dogs, unable to bring the bear to a full bay but easily able now to keep it in sight.
    — Paul Schullery, Outdoor Life, 13 Aug. 2026
  • His earlier display of emotion made the song’s meaning hit even harder — and as the crowd erupted into jumps and shouts of glee, Smith stood there, a grin growing on his lipsticked mouth.
    — Ellise Shafer, Variety, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of shout
Noun
  • If the come-from-behind victory and the roar of more than 45,000 fans on Saturday afternoon were any indication, Anderson’s arrival could portend great things is Seattle for the rest of this season, and for many more to come.
    — Dan Freedman, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026
  • The absurdities and tragedies of daily life in dictator Nicolae Ceaușescu’s Romania roar from the page in Oana Aristide’s irresistible debut.
    — Monitor reviewers, Christian Science Monitor, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of roar
Verb
  • Otherwise, there’s definitely a family-friendly element to the hotel (the whole storybook feel screams childhood), though the food options may be a little bit advanced for a kids’ palate.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Aug. 2026
  • His career numbers – 24 touchdown passes against 22 interceptions – hardly scream program savior.
    — Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of scream
Verb
  • The other customers cowered in the corners, while crowds formed at the windows outside, shrieking and recording the scene on their phones.
    — Robert F. Worth, The Atlantic, 10 July 2026
  • Kids are shrieking through their favorite splash pads, faces sticky with Bomb Pop juice and joy.
    — Mark Glende, Twin Cities, 2 July 2026
Definition of shriek
Noun
  • Baby's cry leads Atlanta police to missing sisters Atlanta police said investigators tracked Brown to an apartment complex at 2001 Sylvan Road using cellphone information, license plate reader data and tips from the community.
    — Christopher Harris, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Politicians across Europe are using the influx of deaths from this year’s historic heat waves as a rallying cry to push for fewer restrictions around new AC installation.
    — Mack DeGeurin, Popular Science, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of cry
Noun
  • That study did not analyze the noise that would be made when officers are at the site outside of business hours.
    — Sierra Lopez, Mercury News, 24 Aug. 2026
  • The taxis carry four passengers, reach speeds of up to 150 mph and produce far less noise and zero operating emissions compared with traditional helicopters.
    — Mike Barnes for The Hollywood Reporter, Robb Report, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of noise
Verb
  • Defiant, Mladic acted bullishly during his trial and yelled at the judges when sentenced to life in prison.
    — Jovana Gec, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Don't be one of those loudmouths yelling and screaming and pretending.
    — Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of yell

Browse Nearby Words

however
howl
howled
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Cite this Entry

“Howl.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/howl. Accessed 30 Aug. 2026.

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