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
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
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 The reflection on language, image and sound also unfolds in the evolution of the voice-over, which turns into children’s cries, folk songs passed down from mother to child, and accounts of violence and sacrifice spoken tenderly. Cátia Rodrigues, Variety, 16 Aug. 2025 As the sky darkens, the wind picks up, and the cries of the seagulls lessen. Literary Hub, 11 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
  • If ginger beer sings with a dark rum, sing.
    Gina Pace, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Johnson sings throughout the film, including on lyrical creations by Lin-Manuel Miranda.
    Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 8 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Joe shouts as the snarling lobos close in.
    Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Kylie, 33, shouts in the background, trying to prevent an accident.
    Georgia Slater, People.com, 25 Aug. 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
  • All calls are toll-free and confidential.
    Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Meanwhile, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy renewed his calls for a stronger international response.
    Katya Soldak, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Since then, it’s been one of the most recognizable slogans for an American business.
    Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Avoid reducing culture to slogans or values campaigns that don’t connect to daily work.
    Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes.com, 3 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
  • When the screams faded away, Monica Santana and Maria Lema, who had driven down from Waukegan to scream, peeled off.
    Christopher Borrelli, Chicago Tribune, 3 Sep. 2025
  • Amid screams and the sound of bullets, she is killed.
    Sophie Monks Kaufman, IndieWire, 3 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Cries.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cries. Accessed 13 Sep. 2025.

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