screeching

adjective

screech·​ing ˈskrē-chiŋ How to pronounce screeching (audio)
Synonyms of screechingnext
: abrupt, sudden
her career came to a screeching halt

Examples of screeching in a Sentence

the screeching blast of the factory whistle hurt my ears
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The party hadn’t really stopped since the club wrapped up its first Premier League title in 22 years last week, but those celebrations came to a screeching halt after Eberechi Eze and Gabriel both failed to convert from the penalty spot. Ben Church, CNN Money, 30 May 2026 The American Eagle took its first paying customers for a screeching fun ride. Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 23 May 2026 Boyd’s good works come to a screeching halt when she and her group are surrounded and captured by Palmer and his little cohort, including Boyd’s former partner, Fred Stanislaus. Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 22 May 2026 Duran’s second walk in as many innings loaded the bases, but a pair of non-competitive at-bats by Ceddanne Rafaela and Wilyer Abreu brought the lineup’s momentum to a screeching half. Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 20 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for screeching

Word History

First Known Use

1904, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of screeching was in 1904

Cite this Entry

“Screeching.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/screeching. Accessed 2 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

screeching

adjective
screech·​ing ˈskrē-chiŋ How to pronounce screeching (audio)
: sudden sense 1a
her career came to a screeching halt

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