snarl 1 of 3

Definition of snarlnext
as in to bark
to speak sharply or irritably she snarled at me after I kept badgering her with questions

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

snarl

2 of 3

verb (2)

snarl

3 of 3

noun

as in jam
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

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 snarl
Verb
The storm is expected to snarl roads into the Sierra Nevada, and require motorists to put chains on their tires. Los Angeles Times, 19 Apr. 2026 Crashes involving about 70 vehicles snarled a section of a snowy Colorado highway and sent eight people to the hospital. ABC News, 14 Apr. 2026
Noun
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 See All Example Sentences for snarl
Recent Examples of Synonyms for snarl
Noun
  • Wexler induced a groundball to second as the Cobras defense turned a double play to escape the jam.
    Alex Kushel, Sun Sentinel, 25 Apr. 2026
  • The outing wasn’t free of some jams, but Wright worked out of them with poise.
    Tom Mulherin, Boston Herald, 24 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Though the intent is to ease congestion on a highly trafficked portion of the interstate, neighborhood and citywide groups oppose the project after maps revealed neighborhoods in historically Black parts of town could lose homes.
    Nick Sullivan, Charlotte Observer, 27 Apr. 2026
  • Let’s address emissions and street congestion.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 27 Apr. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Snarl.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/snarl. Accessed 1 May. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on snarl

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster