cries 1 of 2

present tense third-person singular of cry
1
as in sobs
to shed tears often while making meaningless sounds as a sign of pain or distress some kids started to cry even before the doctor had given them their shot

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2
as in sings
to utter one's distinctive animal sound we knew that we were getting very close to the ocean when we could hear sea gulls crying

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3

cries

2 of 2

noun

plural of cry
1
2
3
as in slogans
an attention-getting word or phrase used to publicize something (as a campaign or product) "A chance to change America" was the cry on which the candidate was hoping to win the White House

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4
5
as in screams
a sudden short emotional utterance cries of disbelief greeted the announcement of the surprise winner for best picture

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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 cries
Verb
When Henry is gone, Seema cries. Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 12 Sep. 2025 Faustus cries, as demons, closing the deal, prepare to pull him down to the pit. Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 8 Sep. 2025 In episode 3, which came out in April, Howard’s character cries when Seth Rogen’s studio head character gives him a difficult piece of feedback, resulting in Howard angrily throwing his signature baseball cap at him. Brian Anthony Hernandez, PEOPLE, 6 Sep. 2025 Fraser threatens to leave but doesn’t and ends up being the one to comfort Kyle, who cries about having hurt his friend. Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 26 Aug. 2025 Milk leaks from the breast when the baby cries, no real thoughts passed between mother and child. Ellyn Gaydos august 11, Literary Hub, 11 Aug. 2025 In the video about starvation that drew the condemnation of the IDF, al-Sharif cries as a woman collapses from hunger behind him. Richard Hall, Time, 11 Aug. 2025 The emotions become too much for her, and Belly breaks down and cries into her pillow. Monica Mercuri, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2025
Noun
The dog's cries pierced people's hearts, and as of Thursday, the TikTok video reached over 278,000 views and 40,300 likes. Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Sep. 2025 All of the killings happened within 7 miles across two grazing allotments, and range riders and shepherds reported hearing wolf cries in the area on several occasions. Katie Langford, Denver Post, 6 Sep. 2025 However, her cries and pleas only led to Tate hitting her harder. Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 4 Sep. 2025 If the cries to help the common fan were relatively silent then, what’s the truly new and pressing need for them today? John Cassillo, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025 The creature walks — and cries. Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 1 Sep. 2025 The gunshots and anguished cries come from a video playing on McLeod’s phone. Faith Karimi, CNN Money, 29 Aug. 2025 Hamros’ daughter was nearby and her cries caught the ear of a person nearby, who had not seen the crime but who alerted authorities. Pioneer Press, Chicago Tribune, 26 Aug. 2025 Russia celebrates, Ukraine cries, and the United States of America is diminished. Tom Zirpoli, Baltimore Sun, 19 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cries
Verb
  • Darcey sobs as Georgi continues to defend himself for not easily opening up to others.
    Abigail Adams, People.com, 22 Aug. 2025
  • Dever threw the compliment right back at Pascal and Ramsey, for the scene when Ramsey’s Ellie sobs over Joel’s lifeless body.
    Kirsten Chuba, HollywoodReporter, 17 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Lenox is the chef’s expression of his connection to this city, a unique melding of influences and ingredients that sings in his hands.
    The Bon Appétit Staff, Bon Appetit Magazine, 12 Sep. 2025
  • With her alluring voice, Estevie sings about getting caught up in a risky romance without worrying about the consequences.
    Lucas Villa, Rolling Stone, 10 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Ben shouts out of his car window.
    Sabrina Weiss, PEOPLE, 15 Sep. 2025
  • Shannon shouts, her words drifting back to Jenn in the rear seat.
    Peter Larsen, Oc Register, 12 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • More importantly, the most recent of these sightings, just two years ago, was by a railroad passenger, so keep a lookout for a tall, hairy figure, or for massive footprints, which are also commonly reported, and listen for the mysterious creature’s spine-tingling howls.
    The Editors, Outside, 31 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Raise the stakes for farmers There have been calls not just to hold farmers more accountable for H-2A violations, but also to reward the ones who comply with labor laws.
    Max Blau, ProPublica, 16 Sep. 2025
  • According to Packer Report's Easton Butler, one of the first calls Cincinnati made was to the Green Bay Packers about backup Malik Willis.
    Michael Gallagher, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Local reporting says accounts believed to be linked to Holly contained references to mass shootings and antisemitic material, and a Denver Post report described imagery and slogans resembling past white supremacist iconography.
    James Bickerton, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Authorities revealed on Friday antifascist slogans and video game references were etched onto bullet casings from the gun the suspect used to kill Charlie Kirk.
    Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Only after the internal appeals with the insurer are exhausted is an external review an option for some denials.
    Duaa Eldeib, ProPublica, 10 Sep. 2025
  • The Clippers would have the chance to appeal to an NBA appeals panel.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 10 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Voices gasped, exhaled for a beat, then rose up in screams of horror.
    Eric Levenson, CNN Money, 12 Sep. 2025
  • As cheers and screams of joy rang out in El Alto, Venezuelan fans began to sob in the stands.
    Joseph O'Sullivan, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Cries.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cries. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.

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