1
as in to complain
to express dissatisfaction, pain, or resentment usually tiresomely
he was growling about how much work he had to do
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to roar
to make a long loud deep noise or cry
the neighbor's dog growls every time we pass the house
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of growl
Ann Pietrangelo, Verywell Health, 22 Dec. 2025
And as the person behind the camera approaches the pit bull, the dog growls and barks while standing in a fearful crouch.
—Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 15 Dec. 2025
David Fear, Rolling Stone, 4 Nov. 2025
Joe’s raspy growl and Nick’s smoother tone contrast nicely and meet in the middle of the groovy, soulful pop-rock lane the group’s newer music occupies.
—Heather Bushman, IndyStar, 3 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for growl
Verb
How Popcorn Affects Your Stomach When your stomach starts growling between meals, popcorn might be just the thing to alleviate those annoying hunger pangs.
—Ann Pietrangelo, Verywell Health, 22 Dec. 2025
And as the person behind the camera approaches the pit bull, the dog growls and barks while standing in a fearful crouch.
—Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 15 Dec. 2025
Noun
Everything bops breezily along, stopping occasionally to have Dek growl maxims about strength through domination, and observe a decapitation or two.
—David Fear, Rolling Stone, 4 Nov. 2025
Joe’s raspy growl and Nick’s smoother tone contrast nicely and meet in the middle of the groovy, soulful pop-rock lane the group’s newer music occupies.
—Heather Bushman, IndyStar, 3 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for growl
Recent Examples of Synonyms for growl
Verb
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When Maguire first complained about the extra charges, the nurse practitioner wasn't aware the hospital fees were being assessed.—
Ken Alltucker,
USA Today,
1 Feb. 2026
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Critics also complain that Dodge, known for its muscle cars, muffed its transition to hybrid power systems.—
Aldo Svaldi,
Denver Post,
1 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Thousands of people lost power when the hurricane-strength winds roared through the area.—
Judith Kohler,
Denver Post,
27 Jan. 2026
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The crowd roared as each member introduced themselves individually, starting with leader Jihyo, then Tzuyu, Jeongyeon, Momo, Nayeon, Chaeyoung, Dahyun, Sana, and Mina.—
Laura Sirikul,
Forbes.com,
27 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The city rumbles occasionally, a reminder that Mount Vesuvius, though considered dormant, could flare to life at any moment.—
Matthew Carey,
Deadline,
29 Jan. 2026
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In the final minute, Lakers fans rumbled the arena with a collective chant calling for Bronny James to enter the game.—
Julia Poe,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Oklahomans are bracing for what could be the most impactful storm of winter, set to bring a combination of snow, ice and frigid weather, which forecasters warn could knock out power and snarl travel for days as freezing temperatures persist.—
Cheyenne Derksen,
Oklahoman,
22 Jan. 2026
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At the same time, frequent policy changes that deepen unease can discourage investment and snarl planning.—
Jasmin Malik Chua,
Sourcing Journal,
22 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Bill Belichick’s resume screams one-way ticket to Canton, Ohio, but when he wasn’t voted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, many were left flabbergasted on Tuesday night.—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
28 Jan. 2026
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Under the watchful eye of sheriffs deputies who threatened to ticket anyone caught standing in the road, along with a small number of National Guard members, the protesters took turns screaming swears and warming up in nearby parked cars.—
Christopher Cann,
USA Today,
28 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The children jumped for joy after winning a game of cornhole; others fell and whined in defeat, but got up to play again.—
Christopher Buchanan,
Los Angeles Times,
27 Jan. 2026
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Horns whine in constant protest.—
Max Klaver,
Miami Herald,
23 Jan. 2026
Verb
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While Slot was moaning about having to play two away matches in four days (and about missing a couple of key players), Emery, also without important figures such as Boubacar Kamara, was overseeing his Villa side playing the same tough schedule and win both games without conceding a goal.—
Tim Spiers,
New York Times,
26 Jan. 2026
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The austerity gives her plenty of room to writhe, mug, and moan between occasional shots of an inflatable Martian and a tropical-looking Tiffany lamp.—
Kory Grow,
Rolling Stone,
14 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The volume has gone up again since Ruben Amorim’s recent departure, muttering darkly about Gary Neville’s outside influence in particular.—
Daniel Taylor,
New York Times,
17 Jan. 2026
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The older lady who was muttering to herself in casting is there.—
Dalton Ross,
Entertainment Weekly,
16 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Growl.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/growl. Accessed 3 Feb. 2026.
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