Growl — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb noun /ˈgrau̇(-ə)l/

Meaning & Definition of Growl

Growl (verb)

  1. rumble
  2. to utter a growl
  3. to complain angrily

Growl (noun)

  1. a deep guttural inarticulate sound

Growl (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to express dissatisfaction, pain, or resentment usually tiresomely

    "he was growling about how much work he had to do"

    similar: beef, bellyache, bitch, bleat, carp, caterwaul, complain, crab, croak, fuss, gripe, grizzle, grouch, grouse, grumble, grump, holler, inveigh, keen, kick, kvetch, maunder (chiefly British), moan, murmur, mutter, nag, repine, scream, squawk, squeal, wail, whimper, whine, whinge (British), yammer, yawp, yowl, kick up a fuss
    related: object (to), protest, quarrel (with), cavil, quibble, fret, stew, worry, blubber, cry, sob, bemoan, bewail, deplore, lament
    opposite: crow, delight, rejoice
    near: accept, bear, countenance, endure, take, tolerate, applaud, cheer, commend

  2. to make a long loud deep noise or cry

    "the neighbor's dog growls every time we pass the house"

    similar: bellow, boom, roar, thunder
    related: grumble, roll, rumble, bang, blare, blast, peal, scream, screech, shriek, squall, bawl, call, cry, holler, hoot, shout, whoop, yell, bell, caterwaul, howl, wail, yowl
    near: grunt, mouth, mumble, murmur, mutter, whisper, mewl, pule, squeak, whimper

  3. to make a low heavy rolling sound

    "I'm sorry my stomach is growling, but I'm just really hungry"

    similar: grumble, lumber, roll, rumble
    related: boom, drum, thunder, bellow

Growl (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. as in snarl

    similar: snarl, flinch, squinch, wince, rictus, simper, smirk, face, frown, grimace, lower, moue, mouth, mow, mug, pout, scowl, snoot, scoff, sneer, glare, glower, look, stare
    opposite: grin, laugh, smile

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Growl

The most common words with a similar meaning to Growl:

Chiefly British: maunder
British: whinge
beef, bellyache, bitch, bleat, carp, caterwaul, complain, crab, croak, fuss, gripe, grizzle, grouch, grouse, grumble, grump, holler, inveigh, keen, kick, kvetch, moan, murmur, mutter, nag, repine, scream, squawk, squeal, wail, whimper, whine, yammer, yawp, yowl, bellow, boom, roar, thunder, lumber

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Growl

Words with the opposite meaning of Growl:

crow, delight, rejoice, grin, laugh, smile

Related Words for Growl

object (to), protest, quarrel (with), cavil, quibble, fret, stew, worry, blubber, cry, sob, bemoan, bewail, deplore, lament, bang, blare, blast, peal, screech, shriek, squall, bawl, call, hoot, shout, whoop, yell, bell, howl

Near Antonyms of Growl

accept, bear, countenance, endure, take, tolerate, applaud, cheer, commend, grunt, mouth, mumble, murmur, mutter, whisper, mewl, pule, squeak, whimper

Word Forms of Growl

Inflections: growled, growling, growls

Origin & Etymology of Growl

Middle English groulen, grollen

First known use: 14th centuryi

Frequently Asked Questions about Growl

What does "Growl" mean?

"Growl" means rumble. As an a verb and a noun, it is defined as: rumble. It has 4 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Growl"?

Other words for "Growl" include beef, bellyache, bitch, bleat, carp, caterwaul, complain and crab. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Growl" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Growl"?

There are 100 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Growl". Common alternatives include beef, bellyache, bitch, bleat, carp, caterwaul, complain, crab, croak and fuss.

What is the opposite of "Growl"?

Antonyms of "Growl" include crow, delight, rejoice, grin, laugh and smile. Near antonyms include accept, bear, countenance and endure.

How do you use "Growl" in a sentence?

Examples of "Growl" in a sentence: "he was growling about how much work he had to do"; "the neighbor's dog growls every time we pass the house"; "I'm sorry my stomach is growling, but I'm just really hungry".

Is "Growl" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Growl" can be used as a verb and a noun, depending on the context.

How do you pronounce "Growl"?

"Growl" is pronounced /ˈgrau̇(-ə)l/.

What is the origin of the word "Growl"?

"Growl" comes from Middle English groulen, grollen. First known use: 14th centuryi.