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
The Millers are now among the jackals howling for Fauci’s prosecution. — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 6 Aug. 2026 At night, the coyote howls echo through the development keeping residents awake. — N. Kirkpatrick, Washington Post, 1 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
  • Kio takes in his new surroundings confidently, strutting through the grasses near his den while working on his roar, that is, until a bellowing elephant sends him racing closer to Mom.
    — Kelli Bender, PEOPLE, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Before the researchers could start sampling it, though, a deafening roar suddenly filled the tunnel.
    — James Dinneen, New Yorker, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of roar
Verb
  • She was awakened in the middle of the night by her barking dog and the sound of a woman screaming in the street.
    — City News Service, Daily News, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Audio from her cousin's phone call to the Palestinian Red Crescent emergency service captured 15-year-old Layan describing the chaotic scene around her, amid the sound of gunfire and screaming, before the call dropped.
    — Frank Andrews, CBS News, 19 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
  • 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
  • That kind of front-loading also gives parents a buffer if a child freezes up, cries or needs an extra hug before heading out.
    — Ashley Lynch, Miami Herald, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of cry
Noun
  • If the city completes the necessary upgrades and receives approval for the quiet zone, officials say reducing train horn noise could make the area more attractive for residents and businesses.
    — Dillon Thomas, CBS News, 18 Aug. 2026
  • The noise in Granbury, Texas, that started as a hum in the summer of 2023 had by January begun to disturb her at all hours.
    — Tavleen Tarrant, NBC news, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of noise
Verb
  • Myles Straw, running out to left as Varland jogged in from the bullpen, began yelling at his closer and throwing his arm in the air.
    — Mitch Bannon, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2026
  • In April, Bloomberg reported on troubles at Cooper’s company, spurred in part by juggling too many business ventures, including executive turnover, shows that failed to become major hits and staff issues with Kaplan, who often yelled at employees.
    — Ashley Carman, Fortune, 14 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 21 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of howl for Spanish Speakers

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