crying 1 of 3

Definition of cryingnext

crying

2 of 3

noun

crying

3 of 3

verb

present participle of cry
1
as in sobbing
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

2
as in singing
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

3

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 crying
Adjective
But his crying scene in Ford v Ferrari is one for the ages. Michael Granberry, Dallas News, 17 Jan. 2020
Noun
Maybe you’ve been told that crying is a sign of weakness. Literary Hub, 11 Feb. 2026 There’s the memory of Richard Sherman standing in front of Earl Thomas in the locker room, shielding a crying teammate while fielding questions about what went wrong. Jerry Brewer, New York Times, 9 Feb. 2026 Muffled thuds are heard, and the crying stops. Ava Kofman, New Yorker, 9 Feb. 2026 The beating allegedly occurred multiple times, intensifying the boy’s crying. Muri Assunção, New York Daily News, 6 Feb. 2026 Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s account posted the original image from Levy Armstrong’s arrest before the official White House account posted an altered image that showed her crying. Kaitlyn Huamani, Los Angeles Times, 27 Jan. 2026 Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s account posted the original image from Levy Armstrong’s arrest before the official White House account posted an altered image that showed her crying. Kaitlyn Huamani, Fortune, 27 Jan. 2026 This helps babies engage their natural calming reflexes and break their crying cycle. Bestreviews, Mercury News, 26 Jan. 2026 In a now-viral video shared to the mom of two's TikTok, Sara's daughter Evie, 4, could be seen sitting on the stairs of their house and crying. Hannah Sacks, PEOPLE, 12 Jan. 2026
Verb
The two sat in silence before Carter began crying. Kyle Werner, Des Moines Register, 13 Feb. 2026 When the winning score was announced Cizeron hugged his coach and covered his face while crying. Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 2026 When everyone is crying, when everyone is remembering, when everyone is hurting, there’s a sense of togetherness that makes the grief a little more bearable. Literary Hub, 11 Feb. 2026 Nothing grinds my gears like shopping for luxury fashion pieces, only to learn that the fabric is made of cheap material (insert crying emoji). Alyssa Morin, InStyle, 9 Feb. 2026 Kimmel quotes from one popular manual, published in 1916, that advised quieting a crying baby by flipping it over and administering a vigorous spanking. Alexandra Schwartz, New Yorker, 9 Feb. 2026 Cue everyone with a fur baby of their own crying into their beer and chicken wings. Debby Wolfinsohn, Entertainment Weekly, 8 Feb. 2026 Flip the switch and the crying baby disappears. Adam Cheung, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Feb. 2026 The opportunity wasn’t lost on Shula, the rock-solid legend who sat afterward at his locker, openly crying, in a manner that stunned Dolphins personnel. Dave Hyde, Sun Sentinel, 5 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for crying
Adjective
  • Two hours later, Ukraine’s urgent plight – the defining security crisis of Europe’s post-WW2 era - was passionately portrayed by President Volodymyr Zelensky, evoking the issue that should have been center stage breaking through the MAGA noise.
    Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 15 Feb. 2026
  • This includes those who have qualified for conditional entry under the asylum and refugee laws or based on urgent humanitarian reasons, such as survivors of domestic violence or human trafficking.
    Isa Almeida, Oklahoman, 14 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Mostly, however, Gee’s sophisticated, stealthily moving film folds any bursts of emotion into its exquisitely dark shadows, letting Evans’ limpid but heartsore music do most of the weeping.
    Guy Lodge, Variety, 13 Feb. 2026
  • In the early twentieth century, on the Andaman Islands, social anthropologists observed ritualistic greetings that involved wailing and weeping.
    Shayla Love, New Yorker, 4 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • There’s Pete Carroll holding the hand of his sobbing grandson as television cameras invaded his personal space.
    Jerry Brewer, New York Times, 9 Feb. 2026
  • In the photo released by the White House, Armstrong is sobbing, her mouth hanging open in despair.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 23 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Levy took out a laptop and began shouting first names.
    Jane Bua, New Yorker, 9 Feb. 2026
  • Just a few months ago, a far‑right group disrupted the early morning prayer services of the NSU Muslim Student Association on Hollywood Beach, shouting hateful anti-Muslim slurs.
    Adam Abutaa, Sun Sentinel, 8 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • The death certificate listed Fisher’s cause of death as septic shock, a bacterial infection, acute kidney failure and pneumonia.
    Theresa Clift, Sacbee.com, 10 Feb. 2026
  • Though the consequences of the cold have been widespread and acute—travel disruptions, power outages and scores of deaths—the warm western winter will also take a toll.
    Andrea Thompson, Scientific American, 9 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • All of this self-indulgent whining, by the way, is going on while Pippa is supposed to be supporting Bree at her photography exhibit.
    Kathleen Walsh, Vulture, 10 Feb. 2026
  • The cats kept them up each night with their incessant whining and scratching at their doors.
    Duaa Eldeib, ProPublica, 10 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The details Christine Smith, who's employed at the auto repair shop Pasadena Bimmer next door, was working the front desk when the man came running inside, yelling for help.
    JT Moodee Lockman, CBS News, 14 Feb. 2026
  • Dash camera video from Newton’s police cruiser doesn’t capture the shooting, but Newton can be heard yelling commands for Sanders to stop and show his hands.
    Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 13 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Economic concerns in Africa are more pressing for women than men, Gallup found.
    Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 4 Feb. 2026
  • Martinez has been leading the organization's efforts to knock on doors across Texas in efforts to identify the most pressing issues for voters ahead of rolling out endorsements in congressional races.
    Fin Daniel Gómez, CBS News, 3 Feb. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Crying.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/crying. Accessed 17 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on crying

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!