1
as in to cry
to shed tears often while making meaningless sounds as a sign of pain or distress
he bawled for days after his dog died
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in to yell
to speak so as to be heard at a distance
the mover was bawling for help as the refrigerator was about to slip out of his hands
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of bawl
Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 2 Dec. 2025
Many were left bawling after seeing such a genuine interaction caught on camera, while others asked why the dogs sleep in a kennel outside.
—Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025
Jeremy Engle, New York Times, 25 Nov. 2024
As the weekend’s big game approached, David Singleton could have staged his own super bawl.
—Ben Bolch, Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 2022
See All Example Sentences for bawl
Verb
Eusexua offers a soundtrack for bedrooms and basements fit for balling and bawling sessions.
—Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 2 Dec. 2025
Many were left bawling after seeing such a genuine interaction caught on camera, while others asked why the dogs sleep in a kennel outside.
—Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025
Noun
Instead, similar to other animals, newborn babies produce a heartbreaking (and ear-piercing) bawl.
—Jeremy Engle, New York Times, 25 Nov. 2024
As the weekend’s big game approached, David Singleton could have staged his own super bawl.
—Ben Bolch, Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 2022
See All Example Sentences for bawl
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bawl
Verb
-
Its first truly devastating moment comes in its fourth episode, where Asa, overwhelmed by her first few days in high school, breaks down crying on the couch.—
Wilson Chapman,
IndieWire,
20 Feb. 2026
-
Remember during cycle 4 when Michelle cried from the pain of an allergic reaction to the peroxide used to bleach her hair (which later prompted an impetigo outbreak)?—
Adrianne Webster,
Glamour,
20 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
After the reporter posed the question, another member of the audience started yelling, prompting confusion from Tatum.—
Elsa Keslassy,
Variety,
20 Feb. 2026
-
The video, which includes a trigger warning for harsh language, captures a person yelling at a volunteer to get out of the neighborhood.—
JT Moodee Lockman,
CBS News,
19 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Certain big tackles, hopeful shots and fouls draw the odd reactive shriek, but this is a group that has come to sing for 90 minutes off the same hymn sheet.—
Theo Lloyd-Hughes,
New York Times,
1 Feb. 2026
-
McEntire shrieks between laughs, gesturing to the photographer.—
Wesley Stenzel,
Entertainment Weekly,
27 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Pata’s mother left the courtroom sobbing while someone was testifying.—
Sofia Saric,
Miami Herald,
20 Feb. 2026
-
But producers kept the cameras rolling throughout Shandi’s distress, capturing her sobbing frame and even filming a tearful phone call with her boyfriend back home.—
CT Jones,
Rolling Stone,
16 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Vincent Hawkins was shouting at officers when one of them shot a tear gas canister at him.—
Natasha Korecki,
NBC news,
14 Feb. 2026
-
In November, LaVine had an altercation with a Kings season ticket holder who shouted angrily at him during a timeout, criticizing his effort and defense in a viral video moment.—
Jason Anderson,
Sacbee.com,
14 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
No suspicious whine in the air, no burning of pungent oils to put off biters.—
Antonia Quirke,
Condé Nast Traveler,
22 Jan. 2026
-
These are no longer the days of whine and turned-up noses.—
Joe Nguyen,
Denver Post,
30 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
This organization also reportedly has debt levels that would make Dave Ramsey weep with joy — a measly 4 percent of value.—
Dieter Kurtenbach,
Mercury News,
18 Feb. 2026
-
In 2008, Jackson wept as Barack Obama gave a victory speech before a cheering crowd in Grant Park upon being elected president.—
Adam Harrington,
CBS News,
17 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy — The images of Lindsey Vonn down on the snow, screaming in pain and then being airlifted off the course by helicopter after her crash at the Olympics were a stark reminder of the dangers of the downhill.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
18 Feb. 2026
-
People didn’t scream out answers.—
Jeff Banowetz,
Chicago Tribune,
18 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Bawl.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bawl. Accessed 21 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
