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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Dissimilar Words

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

This could include sniffing around more than usual or barking and growling at odd places like piles of leaves. — Ashley Chalmers, The Spruce, 3 July 2026 Could the growling creature be responsible for the gouges by Zampanò’s dead body? — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 12 June 2026

Noun

While the officer's body camera was not recording audio at the time the shots were fired, Schielke said her clients never heard the dog bark or growl. — Dillon Thomas, CBS News, 9 June 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for growl

Recent Examples of Synonyms for growl

Verb

The sport is now on TV every night of the week these days—and unlike some traditionalists, football-loving families aren’t complaining.

— Beth Ann Mayer, Parents, 1 Sep. 2026
Undermining an alliance Coupang is not the first American company to complain of targeting by South Korean regulators.

— Justin Papp, CNBC, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of complain

Verb

Videos of the flooding obtained by ABC News show a roaring Colorado River as mudflows and debris from metal structures are seen floating down the river.

— ABC News, ABC News, 31 Aug. 2026
The jumpers climbed into the belly of a maroon-and-white jumpship as its propellers began to whir and then roar.

— M. R. O’Connor, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of roar

Noun

Arguably the standout set of the entire festival, her set was grimy and dark, featuring songs off her new album, Music, Fashion, Film, for the first time with a permanent snarl.

— Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 3 Aug. 2026
The wildly popular Instagram page was offline for a hot minute, leaving the general pop pining for videos on the myriad zany happenings in our city, from traffic snarls and celebrity shenanigans to animal encounters and fights outside the club.

— Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 30 July 2026

Definition of snarl

Verb

Otherwise, there’s definitely a family-friendly element to the hotel (the whole storybook feel screams childhood), though the food options may be a little bit advanced for a kids’ palate.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Aug. 2026
His career numbers – 24 touchdown passes against 22 interceptions – hardly scream program savior.

— Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of scream

Verb

Endo is the sixth choice midfielder and someone who never moans about his place in the pecking order.

— James Pearce, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026
Hall wrote in his report that Hamilton lay down in the backseat of the police vehicle, moaning and not responding, prompting first responders to give him Narcan.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of moan

Verb

When John finally reunites with Hal (who charges the ring against the lantern while quickly muttering his oath), the frustrated protégé immediately confronts his teacher with all the suspicions he was meant to keep secret.

— Siddhant Adlakha, Vulture, 24 Aug. 2026
That’s when Way mutters the p-word — under his breath for plausible deniability, but certainly still with the intention of being heard, smirking at the sound of my laughter.

— Selome Hailu, Variety, 18 Aug. 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 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of growl

verb

noun

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