Snarl: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to describe a low, angry sound, often with bared teeth, typically by animals or people expressing pent-up anger or frustration.

• The dog began to snarl when a stranger approached
• She could hear her boss's voice snarling on the other end of the phone

Depicts a low, rumbling sound often made by animals such as dogs to express aggression, or by people when they are very angry. It can also indicate a stomach rumbling due to hunger.

• The bear growled to warn us off
• She growled in frustration when she saw the mess
• His stomach growled loudly in the quiet room

Refers to the sharp, loud sound made by a dog. It can also be used figuratively to indicate speaking sharply or abruptly in a commanding or critical manner.

• The dogs barked loudly when the mailman arrived
• His boss barked orders at the team all day

Signifies a deep, loud, prolonged sound typically made by large animals, like lions. Metaphorically, it can also refer to people or crowds when they are shouting or laughing loudly.

• The lion's roar echoed through the jungle
• The crowd roared in approval when the band took the stage

Use 'snarl' typically when referring to something angrily tangled or knotted, especially hair or wires. It can also describe a confused or complicated situation. It often has a negative connotation.

• Her hair got into a snarl after the windy day
• The project turned into a snarl of conflicting deadlines

'Tangle' is best used to describe something twisted together in a messy or complicated way, like hair, string, or feelings. It's commonly used in everyday situations and doesn't necessarily have a negative connotation.

• The headphones were in a tangle at the bottom of her bag
• The conversation turned into a tangle of confused emotions

Choose 'entangle' when describing something that is caught or twisted in a way that it cannot easily escape, often involving complex issues or situations.

• The branches were entangled in the power lines
• He got entangled in a legal dispute

Use 'knot' to describe something that is tied or fastened in a tight, intricate way, usually with ropes, threads, or hair. It can also figuratively mean a complex problem.

• He tied the rope in a secure knot
• She tried to solve the knot of issues at work

This word is used when describing a complicated, twisted situation, often with frustration or confusion. It can also refer to a tangle in things like hair or wires.

• Her hair was in a snarl after the windy day.
• The traffic snarl made me late for the meeting.

Refers to something twisted together or entangled. It often describes hair, wires, or strings. The word can also be used metaphorically but typically has a lighter tone compared to 'snarl'.

• The earphones always end up in a tangle in my bag.
• They got caught in a tangle of conflicting emotions.

Used to describe an interlaced or intertwined loop that is tight and difficult to undo. It often refers to physical loops, such as in ropes or strings, but can also be used metaphorically for problems or feelings.

• He tried to undo the knot in the fishing line.
• She felt a knot of anxiety in her stomach.

Generally used to describe a disorganized, untidy, or chaotic situation. This term can describe physical spaces as well as metaphorical situations.

• His room was in a complete mess after the party.
• The project turned into a mess due to poor planning.