Word
snarl
US/ˈsnɑɹɫ/
UK/snˈɑːl/
Countable noun
Definition
n. an angry growl that shows the teeth, like a dog makes when it feels threatened. It can also mean a messy tangle, like cars stuck in traffic.
n. an aggressive growl accompanied by bared teeth, signalling hostility or warning. Extended to any tangled or congested mass, such as knotted thread or blocked traffic.
Examples
“The dog gives a low snarl at strangers.”
“When I step near the fence, the neighbour's dog lifts its lip in a snarl and I step back.”
“The traffic snarl after the bridge closure stretched for miles, turning a short commute into a slow study in brake lights and frayed patience.”
Examples
simple
“The dog gives a low snarl at strangers.”
contextual
“When I step near the fence, the neighbour's dog lifts its lip in a snarl and I step back.”
complex
“The traffic snarl after the bridge closure stretched for miles, turning a short commute into a slow study in brake lights and frayed patience.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “snarl” in context.
Verb
01. curl into snarl
“His lips curled into a snarl during the heated argument.”
verb + prep + noun
02. give snarl
“The dog gave a snarl when the child tried to take its bone.”
verb + noun
03. hear snarl
“We heard a snarl behind the fence and stopped walking.”
verb + noun
04. let out snarl
“The injured fox let out a snarl when the vet came closer.”
verb + particle + noun
05. snarl escapes
“A snarl escaped the dog's throat as the postman opened the gate.”
noun + verb
06. snarl fades
“The dog's snarl faded once it recognized its owner.”
noun + verb
Adjective
07. angry snarl
“The dog gave an angry snarl and bared its teeth at the stranger.”
adj + noun
08. low snarl
“The guard dog let out a low snarl as we approached the gate.”
adj + noun
09. menacing snarl
“The wolf gave a menacing snarl that made us freeze in fear.”
adj + noun
10. curl lips into a snarl
“He curled his lips into a snarl and stepped forward.”
11. give an angry snarl
“The cat gave an angry snarl and arched its back.”
12. let out a low snarl
“The dog let out a low snarl when a stranger knocked.”
Real-World Examples
“Photograph: Bienvenido Velasco/EPA Office workers in the upmarket business hub of downtown Panama City fretted about how to get home in the snarl of traffic.” “This time it wasn’t snarls, boos and chants of “hypocrite” he faced on the Kop but a banner that read “Thank You, Andy Burnham”.” “The economic damage from Russian strikes, resulting in lost sales, disrupted workdays and logistical snarls, is in the billions of dollars.” “Airport operations across the US north-east resumed Monday evening after a communications line failure snarled flights at some of the country’s busiest airports, leading to thousands of flight cancellations and delays.” Etymology
From Middle English snarlen, frequentative of snaren (“to trap, tangle”). Equivalent to snare + -le.
Frequentative of earlier snar (“to growl”), perhaps from Middle Low German snorren (“to drone”), of probably imitative origin. Equivalent to snar + -le. Related to German schnarren (“to rattle”) and schnurren (“to hum, buzz”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
PHRASAL VERB
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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