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Snarl: meaning, definitions and examples

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snarl

 

[snɑːrl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

animal behavior

To make an aggressive growling sound, typically to show anger or hostility.

Synonyms

bark, growl, roar.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
snarl

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
growl

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
bark

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
roar

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

Examples of usage

  • The dog began to snarl at the stranger approaching the house.
  • The bear snarled as it defended its territory from intruders.
Context #2 | Verb

traffic

To become tangled or twisted, especially in a confused mass.

Synonyms

entangle, knot, tangle.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
snarl

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

'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
entangle

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
knot

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

Examples of usage

  • The traffic snarled up as the accident blocked the road.
  • The wires were all snarled together in a messy knot.
Context #3 | Noun

expression

An angry or confused mass of knots or tangles.

Synonyms

knot, mess, tangle.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
snarl

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.
tangle

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.
knot

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.
mess

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.

Examples of usage

  • Her hair was a snarl of curls that she struggled to comb through.
  • The fishing line was a snarl of knots that took hours to untangle.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • This word has roots in the Middle English word 'snerlen', which meant to snarl or give a short growl.
  • The term is believed to be of imitative origin, echoing the sounds made by angry or aggressive animals.

Animal Behavior

  • Many animals, including dogs, use snarling as a warning to signal that they feel threatened or are about to defend themselves.
  • Snarling can be a form of communication, conveying emotions like fear or aggression.

Literature

  • In literature, characters often snarl to display anger or dominance, reflecting their inner turmoil or conflict.
  • The portrayal of snarling creatures in stories often evokes fear or tension, enhancing the dramatic effect.

Pop Culture

  • In movies, a snarling creature often signals danger or an imminent conflict, contributing to plot suspense.
  • Cartoon characters often snarl comically to exaggerate their frustration or anger.

Psychology

  • The act of snarling may reflect underlying emotional states, serving as an indicator of aggression or stress.
  • Understanding animal snarls can help in training and managing pets, leading to improved animal-human interactions.

Translations

Translations of the word "snarl" in other languages:

🇵🇹 rosnar

🇮🇳 गुर्राना

🇩🇪 knurren

🇮🇩 menggeram

🇺🇦 гарчати

🇵🇱 warczeć

🇯🇵 唸る (うなる)

🇫🇷 grogner

🇪🇸 gruñir

🇹🇷 hırıldamak

🇰🇷 으르렁거리다

🇸🇦 تذمر

🇨🇿 vrčet

🇸🇰 vrčať

🇨🇳 咆哮 (páoxiào)

🇸🇮 renčati

🇮🇸 urr

🇰🇿 арсылдау

🇬🇪 ღრენა

🇦🇿 quruldamaq

🇲🇽 gruñir

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,281, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.