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
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show current usage.
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Recent Examples of snarls
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
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
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
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
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
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
-
There's nothing better than heading home from a trip with goodies, including local jams, veggies, and treats.—
Heather Bien,
Southern Living,
11 May 2026
-
Their tart stalks are staples in sweet dishes, such as pies, jams, and crumbles, but can also be used in savory dishes and even beverages.—
Cori Sears,
The Spruce,
9 May 2026
Verb
-
Much like a dog that barks at every little noise and passerby, my skin is reactive.—
Devon Abelman,
Allure,
24 Apr. 2026
-
Meanwhile, the same neighbor’s dog barks at all hours, day and night, and a large shoe rack sits outside her door — an eyesore and a fire code violation.—
Judith Martin,
Mercury News,
17 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
-
There have been sometimes somebody shouts in protests.—
Dana Taylor,
USA Today,
28 Apr. 2026
-
This grand procession of Edmonia’s work is an act of reclamation—a gathering in her name that shouts through stone and into the eons.—
Tyehimba Jess,
ARTnews.com,
17 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Wire pin or slicker brushes work best for dogs with long hair that tangles easily.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
7 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
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
-
Soon, his trajectory straightened, and yells filled the air.—
Jessica Camille Aguirre,
New Yorker,
2 May 2026
Verb
-
As the realization that nothing—or no one—will be enough overcomes the final bridge, a flurry of drums gallop in and the track explodes into fireworks as Rodrigo screams her guts out.—
Quinn Moreland,
Pitchfork,
22 May 2026
-
Nobody screams or yells; the Marsies just fire back, and M-6 troops continue to fire in response.—
Sophie Brookover,
Vulture,
22 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Snarls.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/snarls. Accessed 23 May. 2026.
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