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
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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
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Recent Examples of snarls
The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 23 Mar. 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
Advertisement The event was widely criticized for what many said was its chaotic organization, including widespread road closures for VIP motorcades that caused traffic snarls across the city.
—Billy Perrigo, Time, 20 Feb. 2026
Traffic snarls clearing Northbound Interstate 75 traffic was closed near downtown Cincinnati, Cincinnati police said Tuesday afternoon.
—Matthew Cupelli, Cincinnati Enquirer, 10 Feb. 2026
Despite headwinds like tariffs, supply chain snarls and higher costs for solar panels and other components, Fishman said, the initiative is having an impact.
—Sacbee.com, 9 Jan. 2026
And, two, worldwide supply chain snarls also stemming from the pandemic.
—Dana Taylor, USA Today, 8 Jan. 2026
The growls and snarls of his hounds had turned to yelps and shrieks.
—John McCoy, Outdoor Life, 12 Nov. 2025
M. Nolan Gray, The Atlantic, 13 Mar. 2026
Noun
And when transportation snarls, that means any business that needs somebody to be somewhere at a particular time feels an immediate impact.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 23 Mar. 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
Advertisement The event was widely criticized for what many said was its chaotic organization, including widespread road closures for VIP motorcades that caused traffic snarls across the city.
—Billy Perrigo, Time, 20 Feb. 2026
Traffic snarls clearing Northbound Interstate 75 traffic was closed near downtown Cincinnati, Cincinnati police said Tuesday afternoon.
—Matthew Cupelli, Cincinnati Enquirer, 10 Feb. 2026
Despite headwinds like tariffs, supply chain snarls and higher costs for solar panels and other components, Fishman said, the initiative is having an impact.
—Sacbee.com, 9 Jan. 2026
And, two, worldwide supply chain snarls also stemming from the pandemic.
—Dana Taylor, USA Today, 8 Jan. 2026
The growls and snarls of his hounds had turned to yelps and shrieks.
—John McCoy, Outdoor Life, 12 Nov. 2025
Verb
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
jams
Noun
-
Rosauer struck out 10 in her four innings for Yorkville (1-3), wriggling out of several jams and teaming with senior reliever Ellie Fox to strike out 16.—
Rick Armstrong,
Chicago Tribune,
23 Mar. 2026
-
Beyond the pedestrianized streets and bike lanes, the familiar cacophony of drivers honking their frustration is, if anything, louder than ever — as are the grumbles from those who rely on buses now snarled in endless jams.—
Lisa Courbebaisse,
CNN Money,
21 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Snarls.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/snarls. Accessed 27 Mar. 2026.
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