GROWLING Synonyms: 155 Similar and Opposite Words

growling 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of growling

as in guttural

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Dissimilar Words

growling

2 of 2

verb

present participle of growl

as in screaming

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in roaring

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 rumbling

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

Synonyms & Similar 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 growling

Adjective

Any growling or negative reactions shouldn’t be punished, as the dog is just showing their unhappiness. — Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Nov. 2025 Sometimes animatronic and growling, sometimes staring out dead-eyed, classic and static. — Christopher Borrelli, Chicago Tribune, 15 June 2022 Under this gesturing, growling, fiery sprite of a dude, the team is sturdier, more focused, playing harder, playing smarter. — Bill Plaschke, Los Angeles Times, 19 Mar. 2021 Getty Images / AndreyPopov) Going to bed with a growling stomach isn’t great, either. — Lindsey Vickers, USA TODAY, 29 Apr. 2020 But be mindful of the wind, which can turn Lyon Oaks into a growling beast. — Carlos Monarrez, Detroit Free Press, 7 June 2019 Who can forget the wonder embedded in gifts of ribbon candy, or the crackling fat of the roasted pig that signaled abundance and the passing of years, or the growling hunger of a long winter? — Alissa Wilkinson, Vox, 25 May 2018 The world's complex environmental issues demand open minds, fresh perspectives, and less growling. — Keith Kloor, Discover Magazine, 22 June 2012

Verb

As Koji’s character is thrust into a cage at an underground prison brawl, Momoa’s Blanka can be heard growling off screen. — Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 30 July 2026 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 The big question is whether people who pay hundreds of thousands of euros for growling gas-guzzlers will also shell out for electric versions. — Neil Winton, Forbes.com, 27 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 At that point, your stomach has probably been growling for a good hour, so answer that call with some tacos at Taqueria Rosita. — Jim Harrington, Mercury News, 13 May 2026 Lane’s Willy is both a paternal tyrant and a wounded bear, growling if anyone interrupts him yet unable to conceal his soft underbelly. — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 29 Apr. 2026 Suddenly all of those wolves appeared to pile on one wolf, and the growling and yipping carried for miles in the still, cold air. — Frank Glaser, Outdoor Life, 1 Apr. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for growling

Adjective

Ranging from the sound of emergency sirens and birds screeching to low grunts and guttural hoots, their vocalizations reverberate from a sanctuary in the hot, dry hills of the Santa Clarita Valley, north of Los Angeles.

— Jaimie Ding, Fortune, 23 Aug. 2026
The sounds of a football field are usually guttural and gravelly.

— Dan Pompei, New York Times, 21 July 2026

Definition of guttural

Verb

That screaming maximum seems like something from a motor world made increasingly distant by turbochargers, hybrid systems and electric motors.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 25 Aug. 2026
Imagine for a minute a Trojans defense with Luke Wafle, the nation’s top prospect in 2026, screaming off the edge a la the Bosa Bros at Ohio State.

— Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of screaming

Verb

In Tibet, the roaring mudslide that struck Wednesday engulfed a multistory port building and swallowed a bus parking lot at the land border crossing of Gyirong Port.

— Niranjan Shrestha, Chicago Tribune, 27 Aug. 2026
In Minneapolis, the roaring Minnehaha Falls is down to a much lower flow.

— Ubah Ali, CBS News, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of roaring

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
Even before the eighth inning on Sunday, Flemming spent a great deal of time complaining on the WEEI broadcast.

— Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of complaining

Adjective

And, seriously, what was up with that growly Batman voice?

— Tim Grierson, Vulture, 7 Mar. 2026
And Davis’s integrity puts him at odds with his longtime fence, Money (Nick Nolte, nice and growly as ever), who responds by enlisting the services of Ormon (Barry Keoghan), a platinum-blond thug on a motorcycle.

— Justin Chang, New Yorker, 13 Feb. 2026

Definition of growly

Verb

The state compared Atrium to a soccer team whining about the referees.

— Bob Herman, STAT, 18 Aug. 2026
The epic whining heard across MLB over the Tarik Skubal acquisition is evidence Andrew Friedman and Dodgers management are a masterclass in demonstrating creative leadership to cultivate a winning ballclub.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 8 Aug. 2026

Definition of whining

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growlers

growling

growls

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Style

“Growling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/growling. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of growling

adjective

verb

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