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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of scream
Troy Renck, Denver Post, 30 Mar. 2026
Authorities say Valdez had multiple untreated mental health disorders, including schizophrenia, and that he had been seen in Concord earlier in the day screaming at cars.
—Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 29 Mar. 2026
Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 27 Mar. 2026
Amid Swanson's screams, the deputy's Taser was knocked loose and came to a rest on the ground next to the two men, authorities said.
—Nicole Hensley, Houston Chronicle, 20 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for scream
Verb
Nothing screams buzzkill like 15 reviews.
—Troy Renck, Denver Post, 30 Mar. 2026
Authorities say Valdez had multiple untreated mental health disorders, including schizophrenia, and that he had been seen in Concord earlier in the day screaming at cars.
—Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 29 Mar. 2026
Noun
Suddenly shots rang out in the night, followed by the screams and pandemonium.
—Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 27 Mar. 2026
Amid Swanson's screams, the deputy's Taser was knocked loose and came to a rest on the ground next to the two men, authorities said.
—Nicole Hensley, Houston Chronicle, 20 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for scream
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scream
Verb
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With few exceptions, all the other students had shrieked in fear and had, from then on, called her gross-out or bug-girl.—
María Ospina,
The Dial,
31 Mar. 2026
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The finale is an ambiguous mix of jollity and agitation, with a piccolo shrieking above a militant march.—
Scott Cantrell,
Dallas Morning News,
6 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
New rom-com 'The Drama' is no laughing matterNeed a news break?—
Patrick Ryan,
USA Today,
4 Apr. 2026
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Then last Tuesday in the Brewers-Rays game, Bucknor blew a call at first base that was so obviously wrong, both managers could be seen laughing at the replay on the scoreboard.—
Bill Madden,
New York Daily News,
4 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Afterward, a student in the audience complained to his parents that, at the event, the deaths of Palestinian civilians had been characterized as collateral damage—a regrettable but unavoidable consequence of the battle against Hamas.—
Eyal Press,
New Yorker,
30 Mar. 2026
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The driver and passenger in the BMW complained of pain.—
Brandon Downs,
CBS News,
29 Mar. 2026
Noun
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And Donnie was so into it and so prepared, and just a hoot.—
Rebecca Milzoff,
Billboard,
31 Mar. 2026
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Wiseman said to hoots from the crowd of media gathered at the site.—
Richard Tribou,
The Orlando Sentinel,
27 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Every moment of euphoria is obfuscated by distortion, every pop impulse is undercut by squealing dissonance.—
Colin Joyce,
Pitchfork,
18 Mar. 2026
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Something’s always smoking or squealing with these boys, huh?—
Tom Smyth,
Vulture,
16 Mar. 2026
Verb
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His portrayal of academic life will leave real professors wincing, if not giggling … Despite the obvious research that Martel put into his novel, there are too many gaffes about Homer and Greek epic to persuade any expert.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
2 Apr. 2026
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Its wicked sense of humor had spectators giggling throughout all three episodes, only to then break their hearts a little.—
Marta Balaga,
Variety,
28 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Or get ready for a lot of groaning and whining.—
Keely Doll,
Louisville Courier Journal,
25 Mar. 2026
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With LeBron James buying into a supporting actor role, the Lakers are a legitimate threat because Doncic is more focused on scoring buckets than whining to officials.—
Troy Renck,
Denver Post,
20 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The addition of both bagna càuda and lemon zest transformed the simple white pie into a riot of umami.—
Jenn Harris,
Los Angeles Times,
2 Apr. 2026
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The vote and its aftermath – which included a January 6-style riot at the national capital complex in Brasilia – ended with Bolsonaro sentenced to over 27 years in prison, convicted with numerous other officials of plotting a self-coup.—
Max Saltman,
CNN Money,
1 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Scream.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scream. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
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