GROWL Synonyms: 124 Similar and Opposite Words

growl 1 of 2

verb

ˈgrau̇(-ə)l

Definition of growl

as in to complain

to express dissatisfaction, pain, or resentment usually tiresomely he was growling about how much work he had to do

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

as in to rumble

to make a low heavy rolling sound I'm sorry my stomach is growling, but I'm just really hungry

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growl

2 of 2

noun

as in snarl

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of growl

Verb

Jack White, who growled and grinded as the singer/guitarist of the White Stripes and has since positioned himself as a primal rock god on his own, is showing a new side as a sculptor with a show opening in a London gallery run by none other than Damien Hirst. — Andy Battaglia, ARTnews.com, 22 May 2026 Or any of the Republican gym bros peddling supplements online and growling lifestyle advice into webcams. — Rachel Marsden, Hartford Courant, 16 May 2026

Noun

Brith, filled with a sudden dread, stands very still, watching it, and the dog, sensing something, emits a low growl. — Maggie O’Farrell, Literary Hub, 2 June 2026 Who says a man can’t appreciate the gleaming, obscene form of an Aston Martin supercar or the growl of its overpriced engine? — Alex James Kane, Forbes.com, 31 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for growl

Recent Examples of Synonyms for growl

Verb

There’s no flexibility on some SBA changes businesses have complained about.

— John Schroyer, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
Not that any those guys will complain about punching the timecard.

— Chad Bishop, AJC.com, 27 July 2026

Definition of complain

Verb

More news The Arizona Cardinals and their starting quarterback, Jacoby Brissett, had been in a rumbling contract dispute in the early days of training camp.

— Alex Kirshner, New York Times, 27 July 2026
The Great Lakes and Ohio Valley will face the greatest risk as the storms skirt the uppermost edge of a heat dome across the Plains and rumble through eastern Minnesota and northern Wisconsin, fueled by ample amounts of heat and humidity.

— Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 26 July 2026

Definition of rumble

Noun

The state Department of Transportation is scheduled to install temporary three-way stop signs at the intersections during a road project that’s already created mind-numbing traffic snarls and angry and confused drivers.

— Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 23 July 2026
Someone like Mason Marchment — who can score and play with snarl — could be a multi-year option, but giving out long-term deals to free agents in their 30s is risky, especially considering the current state of the Rangers.

— Peter Baugh, New York Times, 29 June 2026

Definition of snarl

Verb

Contrary to his radio silence at today’s hearings, one thing that screams with clarity is Fauci’s diary.

— Steve H. Hanke, Fortune, 29 July 2026
The Jets offseason didn’t scream planning for the future after bringing in Demario Davis (37), Geno Smith (35), David Onyemata (33), Tim Patrick (32) and Minkah Fitzpatrick (29).

— Josh Kendall, New York Times, 28 July 2026

Definition of scream

Verb

The performers grind and moan as rain pours from above and a wind machine roars.

— Lauren Oyler, New Yorker, 20 July 2026
Over four months in 2025, a state investigative report found, Sunrise switched Timaloa's room eight times, the last into one occupied by Attilio Cecchetto, 92, a retired tile installer whose dementia led him to frequently moan, mumble, and yell.

— Jordan Rau, NPR, 19 July 2026

Definition of moan

Verb

This was 1872, and the pious (and patronizing) commentators of the time muttered that Damien’s unvarnished personality was due to his simple farm upbringing in rural Belgium.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 20 July 2026
Wilde read on social media that the tune actually inspired a movie theater meet-cute, as Nash mutters profanity mid-song.

— Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 11 July 2026

Definition of mutter

Browse Nearby Words

growing up

growl

growled

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Growl.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/growl. Accessed 3 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of growl

verb

noun

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