Synonyms of scream

scream 1 of 2

verb

ˈskrēm 

1

as in to shriek

to cry out loudly and emotionally

we screamed when the roller coaster began its 30-foot plunge

Synonyms & Similar Words

• shriek
• squeal
• yell
• cry
• howl
• screech
• shrill
• yelp
• shout
• squall
• wail
• squawk
• holler
• bay
• bawl
• keen
• caterwaul
• yowl
• thunder
• yawp
• call
• vociferate

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• whisper
• murmur
• mutter

2

as in to laugh

to show mirth with an explosive vocal sound

you'll scream when you see the outfit that she's wearing

Synonyms & Similar Words

• laugh
• giggle
• chuckle
• roar
• smile
• snicker
• cackle
• grin
• chortle
• titter
• crack up
• hee-haw
• break up
• twitter
• split one's sides

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• cry
• weep
• sob
• bawl
• howl
• wail
• whine
• blubber
• squall
• whimper
• bleat
• groan
• yowl
• moan
• sigh
• sniffle
• snivel
• pule

3

as in to complain

to express dissatisfaction, pain, or resentment usually tiresomely

angry residents screamed that their neighborhood still hadn't been plowed a week after the snowstorm

Synonyms & Similar Words

• complain
• whine
• moan
• mutter
• growl
• cry
• squeal
• kick
• holler
• whimper
• worry
• grumble
• bitch
• wail
• squawk
• murmur
• bleat
• inveigh
• nag
• gripe
• caterwaul
• grouse
• whinge
• beef
• keen
• yowl
• croak
• bellyache
• yammer
• repine
• protest
• kvetch
• crab
• carp
• kick up a fuss
• yawp
• fuss
• grizzle
• sob
• grouch
• grump
• object (to)
• maunder
• quarrel (with)
• cavil
• quibble
• lament
• stew
• fret
• blubber
• bewail
• bemoan
• deplore

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• rejoice
• delight
• take
• accept
• endure
• tolerate
• bear
• crow
• cheer
• applaud
• commend
• countenance

scream

2 of 2

noun

as in hoot

someone or something that is very funny

that new comedy is a scream

Synonyms & Similar Words

• hoot
• laugh
• riot
• joke
• knee-slapper
• gag
• howler
• boner
• sight
• wisecrack
• witticism
• sally
• quip
• crack
• pleasantry
• jest
• waggery
• caution

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• downer
• bummer

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of scream

Verb

Video that same night captured a federal officer, his face swollen and bloodied, brandishing a gun as people began to scream. — Brittny Mejia, Los Angeles Times, 11 Aug. 2026

There are shocking twists but on such a grand scale that the urge to laugh is as strong as the urge to scream. — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 10 Aug. 2026

Noun

Charging documents state that Kimberly Lechner's brother tried to stop the attack after hearing her scream. — Adam Thompson, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026

The woman eventually managed to escape and ran to a neighbor for help, WPLG reported, adding that her piercing screams were captured on home surveillance video. — Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 6 Aug. 2026