to make an aggressive growling sound, typically in anger or frustration, to become twisted or tangled, a tangle or knot in something

in a snarl, a traffic snarl, a snarl of wires

Formal and Informal Expressions of snarl

In different contexts, you can replace 'snarl' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'growl' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'grumble, bark' is a commonplace synonym.

snarl: Explore its Definition & Usage

snarl Definition

1to make an aggressive growling sound, typically in anger or frustration
2to become twisted or tangled
3a 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

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.