outcry

noun

out·​cry ˈau̇t-ˌkrī 

1

a

: a loud cry : clamor

b

: a vehement protest

There was a public outcry over his comments.

2

: auction

Synonyms of outcry

• roar
• noise
• howl

Examples of outcry in a Sentence

They were surprised by the outcry against the casino proposal.

There was a lot of public outcry over his racial comments.

Recent Examples on the Web

But several leaders and organizations that led the public discussions about data centers were not included in the process, prompting outcry from outside and inside city hall. — Nick Sullivan, Charlotte Observer, 10 July 2026

Video footage of the assault on Arabelia Martinez, 62, went viral, triggering public outcry over the incident. — James Queally, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026

Many American poets have written hymns and howls, declarations and outcries for this country that brims with so many people, and so many hopes, from all over the world. — Scott Simon, NPR, 4 July 2026

The department’s limited release of materials prompted outcry and lawsuits from people saying the department was acting to protect rich and powerful people mentioned in the files. — Aysha Bagchi, USA Today, 3 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for outcry

• apply
• awry
• belie
• bely
• bigeye
• bonsai
• buckeye
• comply
• coxae
• decry
• defy
• deny

Kids Definition

outcry

noun

out·​cry ˈau̇t-ˌkrī 

1

: a loud cry : clamor

2

: a strong protest