What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
growling
Example
The dog was growling at the stranger who had entered the house. [growling: verb]
Example
I haven't eaten all day, my stomach is growling. [growling: present participle]
Example
The growling of the motorcycle could be heard from a distance. [growling: noun]
snarling
Example
The dog was snarling and baring its teeth at the intruder. [snarling: verb]
Example
He was snarling at his opponent during the argument. [snarling: present participle]
Example
The branches were snarling together in a dense thicket. [snarling: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Growling is more commonly used than snarling in everyday language, as it has a wider range of contexts and can be used to describe non-threatening situations. Snarling is more specific and is typically used to describe hostile or aggressive behavior in animals or people.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between growling and snarling?
Both growling and snarling are informal words that are typically used in casual conversation or writing. Neither word is considered particularly formal or appropriate for professional or academic contexts.
