as in jams
a crowded mass (as of cars) that impedes or blocks movement
to no avail, the city promotes carpooling to help ease the traffic snarls that always accompany rush hour
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
as in barks
to speak sharply or irritably
she snarled at me after I kept badgering her with questions
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in knots
to twist together into a usually confused mass
you'll be awfully sorry if you snarl your fishing line
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of snarls
Gloria Casas, Chicago Tribune, 29 May 2026
Travel industry leaders and major airlines warn the proposal would devastate tourism, choke international cargo and create massive operational snarls.
—Josh Funk, Los Angeles Times, 24 May 2026
And when jet lag snarls your normal rest pattern, the window views and a cup of traditional Chinese tea awaiting each guest’s arrival become a pleasant distraction.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 May 2026
Locals going to the matches are advised to use public transportation if possible, not only to avoid paying for parking but also to avoid traffic snarls around the stadium.
—Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 May 2026
As Ross, Martin’s friend and confidante, Kevin Singer has the insinuating righteousness of a slinky cat, his line readings all mews and snarls.
—Steven Winn, San Francisco Chronicle, 3 Apr. 2026
Travelers using Miami International Airport on Saturday or into the early hours of Sunday should plan for major traffic snarls because of Inter Miami’s debut match at its new stadium.
—Miami Herald, 1 Apr. 2026
The lengthy delays to get through security checkpoints come as more travelers are going on trips for spring break and running into snarls because of the partial government shutdown.
—Austin Denean, Baltimore Sun, 10 Mar. 2026
But the scope of the IEEPA tariffs was so massive (to date, CBP and administration officials estimate IEEPA revenue rings in at up to $175 billion) that the process is bound to hit some snarls.
—Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 24 Feb. 2026
Leslie Josephs, CNBC, 28 Mar. 2026
Beyond the red tape that snarls any new apartment, condominiums confront an additional hurdle.
—M. Nolan Gray, The Atlantic, 13 Mar. 2026
Noun
Drivers should brace for traffic snarls this summer when South Elgin’s State Street bridge over the Fox River is reduced to one lane for road resurfacing work.
—Gloria Casas, Chicago Tribune, 29 May 2026
Travel industry leaders and major airlines warn the proposal would devastate tourism, choke international cargo and create massive operational snarls.
—Josh Funk, Los Angeles Times, 24 May 2026
And when jet lag snarls your normal rest pattern, the window views and a cup of traditional Chinese tea awaiting each guest’s arrival become a pleasant distraction.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 May 2026
Locals going to the matches are advised to use public transportation if possible, not only to avoid paying for parking but also to avoid traffic snarls around the stadium.
—Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 May 2026
As Ross, Martin’s friend and confidante, Kevin Singer has the insinuating righteousness of a slinky cat, his line readings all mews and snarls.
—Steven Winn, San Francisco Chronicle, 3 Apr. 2026
Travelers using Miami International Airport on Saturday or into the early hours of Sunday should plan for major traffic snarls because of Inter Miami’s debut match at its new stadium.
—Miami Herald, 1 Apr. 2026
The lengthy delays to get through security checkpoints come as more travelers are going on trips for spring break and running into snarls because of the partial government shutdown.
—Austin Denean, Baltimore Sun, 10 Mar. 2026
But the scope of the IEEPA tariffs was so massive (to date, CBP and administration officials estimate IEEPA revenue rings in at up to $175 billion) that the process is bound to hit some snarls.
—Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 24 Feb. 2026
Verb
Security snarls The TSA PreCheck line at terminal B in LaGuardia Airport in East Elmhurst, Queens, New York City, on March 27, 2026.
—Leslie Josephs, CNBC, 28 Mar. 2026
Beyond the red tape that snarls any new apartment, condominiums confront an additional hurdle.
—M. Nolan Gray, The Atlantic, 13 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for snarls
Noun
-
The Crusaders, who claimed a SoCal-record third regional title, racked up 14 hits but Payne worked out of several jams.—
Dan Albano,
Oc Register,
7 June 2026
-
Barton recommends using them in recipes like jams, jellies, preserves, and smoothies where their softer texture won't be an issue.—
Alana Al-Hatlani,
Southern Living,
6 June 2026
Verb
-
Mac barks at Andi as the two of them drive home.—
Sara Holdren,
Vulture,
20 May 2026
-
Much like a dog that barks at every little noise and passerby, my skin is reactive.—
Devon Abelman,
Allure,
24 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
No matter how many knots a lawyer ties themselves in to get there, legality is not legitimacy.—
Jon Duffy,
Mercury News,
29 Nov. 2025
-
Stories like these usually lurch from one contrivance and complication to the next, but Chad Powers knots itself into a genuinely thorny conflict by the finale.—
Nicholas Quah,
Vulture,
29 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Patchett shouts out fellow authors in the novel, including George Saunders, Paul Murray and Kiran Desai.—
Erik Pedersen,
Oc Register,
2 June 2026
-
As promised, Ali shoots him, and as everyone panics and hits the floor, Ali shouts that Alamo Brown needs to come out.—
Selome Hailu,
Variety,
1 June 2026
Verb
-
Wire pin or slicker brushes work best for dogs with long hair that tangles easily.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
7 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Nobody screams or yells; the Marsies just fire back, and M-6 troops continue to fire in response.—
Sophie Brookover,
Vulture,
22 May 2026
-
Knives are clutched, teeth are clenched, and a desperate Russian ex-pat yells loud enough for their long-dead ancestors to hear all the way back in the motherland.—
David Ehrlich,
IndieWire,
13 May 2026
Verb
-
The eyelet design that covers the bodice and skirt of the garment screams summer, while the tie shoulders add extra visual interest.—
Izzy Baskette,
PEOPLE,
28 May 2026
-
Most of Lucy Boynton’s beauty references the 1960s, and this doll-like bob screams modern mod.—
Calin Van Paris,
InStyle,
27 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Snarls.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/snarls. Accessed 10 Jun. 2026.
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