crying

adjective

cry·​ing ˈkrī-iŋ 

1

: calling for notice

a crying need

2

: notorious, heinous

a crying shame

Synonyms of crying

• urgent
• acute
• pressing

Examples of crying in a Sentence

a crying need for more activities for young people in this town

Recent Examples on the Web

Some in the pro-crying camp pointed to articles and headlines as proof. — Jon Sarlin, CNN Money, 11 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1605, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing crying

• a crying need
• a crying shame
• for crying out loud

Rhymes for crying

• acidifying
• demystifying
• detoxifying
• disqualifying
• diversifying
• electrifying
• emulsifying
• exemplifying
• identifying
• indemnifying
• intensifying
• objectifying

Kids Definition

crying

adjective

cry·​ing ˈkrī-iŋ 

1

: calling for attention and correction

a crying need

2

: notorious

a crying shame