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
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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
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Recent Examples of howls
The Editors, Outside, 31 Aug. 2025
Mike Lillis, The Hill, 13 Sep. 2025
The screams, the reason everyone assembles, when the screams come, after a few collective inhales and exhales and a moment to gather one’s thoughts, the screams come like long guttural howls.
—Christopher Borrelli, Chicago Tribune, 3 Sep. 2025
Foxes use a variety of calls, including barks, howls, yaps, and growls.
—Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 6 Aug. 2025
Noun
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
The ugly episode drew howls from those lawmakers in both parties who are calling to tone down the hostilities and focus on legislating, not seeking attention on social media.
—Mike Lillis, The Hill, 13 Sep. 2025
The screams, the reason everyone assembles, when the screams come, after a few collective inhales and exhales and a moment to gather one’s thoughts, the screams come like long guttural howls.
—Christopher Borrelli, Chicago Tribune, 3 Sep. 2025
Foxes use a variety of calls, including barks, howls, yaps, and growls.
—Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 6 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for howls
Noun
-
Her wails make Davina recall her own confinement, where she was treated similarly awfully and responded by cursing the women in the room.—
Kimberly Roots,
TVLine,
5 Sep. 2025
-
An ambulance siren wails past, coming up from the river.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
4 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Their shouts came from them with surety.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
22 Sep. 2025
-
Conduit congregants welcomed Baker’s video with whoops, shouts and tears, signaling a shared grief.—
Liam Adams,
USA Today,
16 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The former Argentina national team midfielder hopes that the roars of the crowd can carry over to the games at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium next summer during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.—
Joseph Hernandez,
Kansas City Star,
20 Sep. 2025
-
For decades, the mighty roars of dinosaurs have thundered through movies, TV shows, and filled the imaginations of children and adults alike.—
Rupendra Brahambhatt,
Interesting Engineering,
14 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Specifically, in Nabers' case, that injury occurred on what has become a notorious turf surface at MetLife Stadium, which has also claimed other players' seasons to serious injuries, including multiple ACL and Achilles tears.—
Ryan Morik,
FOXNews.com,
2 Oct. 2025
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In August, the manager for Chris Brown surprised Monica with a new Maybach, bringing her to tears.—
Essence,
Essence,
2 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Fortunately, Amazon heard my cries and slashed prices on its most popular cozy knits ahead of its fall Prime Day extravaganza, which kicks off on Tuesday, October 7.—
Emily Weaver,
PEOPLE,
4 Oct. 2025
-
Their cries could indicate the pack is hurt or in trouble.—
Liz O'Connell,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Dreamegg Sound Machine If hotel noises, traffic rumbles, or total silence keeps you from getting sleep, this compact sound machine may become your best travel companion.—
Chaise Sanders,
Travel + Leisure,
4 Oct. 2025
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If your dog is afraid of loud noises, like fireworks or thunder, try not to leave them alone during those events.—
Libby Monteith Minor,
Southern Living,
4 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Sobs and screams split the air.—
Milena Malaver,
Miami Herald,
4 Oct. 2025
-
Visitors report hearing faint voices and screams when inside the room.—
Paige Moore,
AZCentral.com,
3 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Trains are drowning out the coach’s voice, the wind squeals in my hearing aids.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
4 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Howls.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/howls. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.
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