screeching 1 of 2

adjective

ˈskrē-chiŋ How to pronounce screeching (audio)
Definition of screechingnext
as in shrill
having a high musical pitch or range the screeching blast of the factory whistle hurt my ears

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

screeching

2 of 2

verb

present participle of screech
as in shrieking
to cry out loudly and emotionally the toddler screeched in anger when her stuffed rabbit was taken away

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 screeching
Adjective
But on the opposite sideline on Saturday night, LSU head coach Lane Kiffin was left with more questions than answers as the honeymoon phase in Baton Rouge likely came to a screeching halt. — Austin Perry Outkick, FOXNews.com, 11 Oct. 2026 The government that came soon after brought it all to a screeching, heavily consequential halt. — Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 7 Oct. 2026
Verb
That dream came to a screeching halt six years ago, when a sinkhole tore open that revealed an old mine lurking under Hideaway Hills -- forcing more than a dozen families to flee. — ABC News, 6 Oct. 2026 But for a stock that hit a screeching halt just three months ago when the blow-up of hedge fund Situational Awareness sent a chill through the AI bull market, a more measured rally might be just what traders want. — Oliver Renick, CNBC, 30 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for screeching
Recent Examples of Synonyms for screeching
  1. shrill
  2. shrieking
  3. screaming
  4. squealing
  5. yelling
Adjective
  • That loon’s shrill call, this rock’s marbled face, and the walleye wriggling several feet below are what’s at home here; the paddler, just a visitor.
    — Story Hinckley, Christian Science Monitor, 28 Oct. 2026
  • With a soprano voice that’s sharp but never shrill, O’Donovan can levitate a heartfelt melody over just about any kind of accompaniment.
    — Mark Jenkins, Washington Post, 30 Sep. 2026
Definition of shrill
Verb
  • When the humor shifted abruptly from shrieking and pratfalls to more subtle witticism, the audience was fine with that as long as things stayed light, funny and uncomplicated.
    — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Children crowded the play areas, despite the damp, gray weather, shrieking with joy (and in one instance, crying).
    — Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of shrieking
Verb
  • Wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, who had seven catches for 133 yards and a touchdown, was screaming at coaches and teammates on the sideline at the start of the fourth quarter.
    — Joe Reedy, Chicago Tribune, 8 Nov. 2026
  • Wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, who was held to seven catches for 133 yards and a touchdown, was screaming at coaches and teammates on the sideline at the start of the fourth quarter.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 7 Nov. 2026
Definition of screaming
Verb
  • This time of year, the ranch’s Duroc, Hampshire and Berkshire cross hogs are paddocked along a slough, grunting and squealing under the canopy of oak and walnut trees.
    — Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Each of its elements began, long ago, in the loamy earth, hatching and creeping or slipping, slick and squealing, from the womb of the mind.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of squealing
Verb
  • Vision is still frustrated and furious over the ways Ultron tricked and used him, but yelling at an opponent that won’t get riled in return isn’t satisfying.
    — Tasha Robinson, Vulture, 4 Nov. 2026
  • The video, which is blurry from the officer's movement, captures yelling and the sound of a single gunshot, followed by several additional gunshot noises.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 3 Nov. 2026
Definition of yelling

Browse Nearby Words

screeches
screeching
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Cite this Entry

“Screeching.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/screeching. Accessed 13 Nov. 2026.

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