The phrase "puts a howl" typically means to make a loud, prolonged cry or scream. Its antonyms would be words or phrases that indicate silence or quietness, such as hush, silence, calm, peacefulness, or tranquility. Alternately, synonyms for "puts a howl" might include terms like yelp, bellow, scream, or wail. Using these antonyms and synonyms in writing can help to create a specific mood, tone, or atmosphere in a text, and can give readers a clearer idea of what an author is trying to convey.