1
as in wails
a crying out in grief
we had to endure the puppy's mournful howls on her first night in our house
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in shouts
a loud vocal expression of strong emotion
heard howls of laughter from the children watching the clown's silly antics
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in roars
a violent shouting
the crowd let out a howl of protest over the referee's call
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
2
as in screams
to cry out loudly and emotionally
the boy howled in pain when his baby sister bit him
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of howls
Arkansas Online, 23 Mar. 2026
As the howls got louder, the mother eagle woke up.
—Lauren Linder, CBS News, 16 Mar. 2026
Aquilla Sadalla’s wordless vocals, a gorgeous swell of howls and heaves, complement the arrangement without becoming the focal point.
—Mark Richardson, Pitchfork, 3 Feb. 2026
The Wolf Moon name dates back to Indigenous and early Anglo-Saxon traditions, inspired by the winter wolves whose howls echoed across cold January nights.
—Doug Melville, Forbes.com, 3 Jan. 2026
The year's first full moon is best known as the wolf moon since the howls of wolves were more likely to be heard during winter, according to the Old Farmer's Almanac.
—Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 2 Jan. 2026
United Methodist leadership with the bishop’s office preached to students, who welcomed the leaders with excited howls.
—Liam Adams, Nashville Tennessean, 29 Oct. 2025
The long recess has drawn howls of protest from Democratic leaders, who have returned to Washington to demand negotiations that might lead to a bipartisan spending bill that could reopen the government.
—Mike Lillis, The Hill, 10 Oct. 2025
More importantly, the most recent of these sightings, just two years ago, was by a railroad passenger, so keep a lookout for a tall, hairy figure, or for massive footprints, which are also commonly reported, and listen for the mysterious creature’s spine-tingling howls.
—The Editors, Outside, 31 Aug. 2025
Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 27 Feb. 2026
At night, the desert comes alive with coyote howls, prowling skunks and the possibility of larger cats or black bears nearby.
—Joan Meiners, AZCentral.com, 6 Feb. 2026
The wind howls, and the sound of the runners grinding over the ice is surprisingly loud.
—Nathan Pilling, Kansas City Star, 26 Jan. 2026
Hip holidaying friends, those who don’t want to share their trip with babies’ howls, and golfers looking for an element of cool (guests have access to all the facilities at the other Costa Navarino hotels such as golf courses and the Mouratoglou tennis academy).
—Jemima Sissons, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Jan. 2026
Listening to Alan Vega, these rockers’ influence on his signature howls and croons becomes obvious.
—Alastair Shuttleworth, Pitchfork, 22 Jan. 2026
From the booth, Lyons Township announcer Aidan Brandstedt howls, overcome with excitement.
—Jesse Wright, Chicago Tribune, 6 Jan. 2026
Those four cylinders aren’t missed; the Bentayga Speed positively screams and howls, especially if equipped with the optional Akrapovic titanium exhaust.
—Sean Evans, Robb Report, 23 Dec. 2025
Foxes use a variety of calls, including barks, howls, yaps, and growls.
—Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 1 Dec. 2025
Noun
In response to howls of protest, the commission has agreed to a 180-day moratorium on severing the ties with PBS.
—Arkansas Online, 23 Mar. 2026
As the howls got louder, the mother eagle woke up.
—Lauren Linder, CBS News, 16 Mar. 2026
Aquilla Sadalla’s wordless vocals, a gorgeous swell of howls and heaves, complement the arrangement without becoming the focal point.
—Mark Richardson, Pitchfork, 3 Feb. 2026
The Wolf Moon name dates back to Indigenous and early Anglo-Saxon traditions, inspired by the winter wolves whose howls echoed across cold January nights.
—Doug Melville, Forbes.com, 3 Jan. 2026
The year's first full moon is best known as the wolf moon since the howls of wolves were more likely to be heard during winter, according to the Old Farmer's Almanac.
—Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 2 Jan. 2026
United Methodist leadership with the bishop’s office preached to students, who welcomed the leaders with excited howls.
—Liam Adams, Nashville Tennessean, 29 Oct. 2025
The long recess has drawn howls of protest from Democratic leaders, who have returned to Washington to demand negotiations that might lead to a bipartisan spending bill that could reopen the government.
—Mike Lillis, The Hill, 10 Oct. 2025
More importantly, the most recent of these sightings, just two years ago, was by a railroad passenger, so keep a lookout for a tall, hairy figure, or for massive footprints, which are also commonly reported, and listen for the mysterious creature’s spine-tingling howls.
—The Editors, Outside, 31 Aug. 2025
Verb
Karen howls in a video Kaley posted to Instagram as a teenager.
—Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 27 Feb. 2026
At night, the desert comes alive with coyote howls, prowling skunks and the possibility of larger cats or black bears nearby.
—Joan Meiners, AZCentral.com, 6 Feb. 2026
The wind howls, and the sound of the runners grinding over the ice is surprisingly loud.
—Nathan Pilling, Kansas City Star, 26 Jan. 2026
Hip holidaying friends, those who don’t want to share their trip with babies’ howls, and golfers looking for an element of cool (guests have access to all the facilities at the other Costa Navarino hotels such as golf courses and the Mouratoglou tennis academy).
—Jemima Sissons, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Jan. 2026
Listening to Alan Vega, these rockers’ influence on his signature howls and croons becomes obvious.
—Alastair Shuttleworth, Pitchfork, 22 Jan. 2026
From the booth, Lyons Township announcer Aidan Brandstedt howls, overcome with excitement.
—Jesse Wright, Chicago Tribune, 6 Jan. 2026
Those four cylinders aren’t missed; the Bentayga Speed positively screams and howls, especially if equipped with the optional Akrapovic titanium exhaust.
—Sean Evans, Robb Report, 23 Dec. 2025
Foxes use a variety of calls, including barks, howls, yaps, and growls.
—Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 1 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for howls
Noun
-
Ride the thrill of Hostile Design’s passionate wails and percussion overload when the group headlines eight shows to kick off the new year, making their way across California, Rhode Island, Quebec, Ontario, Pennsylvania, and Illinois with the same energy that once fueled their humble beginnings.—
Nina Corcoran,
Pitchfork,
24 Mar. 2026
-
Maybe the wails and crushed dreams of American travelers will finally melt their hearts.—
Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board,
The Orlando Sentinel,
21 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Juvenile bliss had long contoured this abrasive band, whose songs rattled like playgrounds, and whose shouts rang like the peals of petulant children.—
Samuel Hyland,
Pitchfork,
17 Mar. 2026
-
The initiative, introduced in 2022, is designed to help youth footballers enjoy their matches without distracting shouts from the sidelines, whether by coaches or parents.—
Laura Williamson,
New York Times,
16 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Could Jacob Bridgeman hear the roars for Rory McIlroy’s 30-foot make and still finish?—
Brody Miller,
New York Times,
23 Feb. 2026
-
The roars were back at the Riv on Thursday … and so was the rain.—
Steve Galluzzo,
Los Angeles Times,
20 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Back in the car, Albert moans and groans while Billie shrieks in panic.—
Jordan Hoffman,
Entertainment Weekly,
23 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
An explosion of green paint can be seen as Islas stumbles and screams in pain.—
James Queally,
Los Angeles Times,
19 Mar. 2026
-
Slayr raps, sings, and screams across this thing, producing most of it himself with frequent contributions from the producer wa.—
Mano Sundaresan,
Pitchfork,
18 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Shock and confusion followed by tears and laughs.—
Chris Willman,
Variety,
23 Mar. 2026
-
According to an account on Jorginho's Instagram story on Saturday, March 21, his 11-year-old daughter was reduced to tears after an unpleasant run-in with Roan's security guard.—
Nicole Fallert,
USA Today,
23 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Ave Maria, Florida — One Wednesday this month, loud cries erupted from two teenage girls huddled over a cellphone in the parking lot of a local supermarket.—
Deidre McPhillips,
CNN Money,
23 Mar. 2026
-
The episode ends as John walks out among Carolyn’s cries.—
Jessica Radloff,
Glamour,
20 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Hearing protection is recommended, especially for young children and those sensitive to loud noises.—
Patrick Connolly,
The Orlando Sentinel,
26 Mar. 2026
-
These noises could have aided with communication, helping the animals sync up for the birthing effort.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
26 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Howls.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/howls. Accessed 29 Mar. 2026.
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