snarl

[snɑːl]

snarl Definition

• 1. to make an aggressive growling sound, typically in anger or frustration
• 2. to become twisted or tangled
• 3. a tangle or knot in something

Using snarl: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "snarl" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  The dog snarled at the stranger.

• Example

  The traffic was snarled up for hours due to the accident.

• Example

  Her hair was snarled and tangled after the windy day.

snarl Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for snarl

• growl
• grumble
• snap
• tangle
• bark

Antonyms for snarl

• smooth
• untwist

Phrases with snarl

• in a snarl

  in a tangled or confused state

  Example

  The wires were all in a snarl and it took me ages to sort them out.

• a traffic snarl

  a situation where traffic is severely congested and moving slowly or not at all

  Example

  The construction work caused a traffic snarl that lasted for hours.

• a snarl of wires

  a tangled or messy group of wires

  Example

  I had to untangle the snarl of wires behind my computer.

Origins of snarl

from Middle Low German 'snarren', meaning 'to rattle'

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Summary: snarl in Brief

The verb 'snarl' [snɑːl] can mean to make an aggressive growling sound, become twisted or tangled, or refer to a tangle or knot. It is often used to describe traffic congestion, as in 'The traffic was snarled up for hours due to the accident.' 'Snarl' extends into phrases like 'in a snarl,' referring to a tangled or confused state, and 'a traffic snarl,' describing a situation where traffic is severely congested.