Synonyms for

Bark

Verb / bɑ:rk / Another word for bark — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

the sharp explosive cry of certain animals, especially dogs

Synonyms & similar words

skin barque yelp howl woof growl snarl whimper cry shout roar bellow holler scream yowl bay wail snort grunt whine moan squeal

Synonyms by register

Formal

vocalization cry sound

Informal

yap woof yip howl

Literary

bay yell clamor

Antonyms

whisper silence mumble quiet hush

Common collocations

  • dog bark
  • loud bark
  • sharp bark
  • sudden bark
  • bark at
  • barking sound
  • bark of a dog

Word family

noun bark
verb bark

Usage note

The word 'bark' primarily refers to the sharp, explosive sound made by a dog. It can also refer to the outer layer of a tree, but this is a separate meaning and not usually confused.

Example sentences

  1. The dog's bark woke up the whole neighborhood.
  2. I heard a bark and thought it was a dog, but it was just a seal.
  3. The tree had rough bark that would scrape my skin.
  4. The sailor knew the bark of the ship like the back of his hand.
  5. The deer heard the hunter's bark and ran away.

Quotes

  • A dog's bark is only a ruff means of communication.
  • A dog's bark is its smile.
  • A tree's bark is like its skin.

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