as in shrill
having a high musical pitch or range
the screeching blast of the factory whistle hurt my ears
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in shrieking
to cry out loudly and emotionally
the toddler screeched in anger when her stuffed rabbit was taken away
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 22 Nov. 2025
But Republicans are still hunting for an answer to the ObamaCare funding issue that brought the government to a screeching halt for 43 days.
—The Hill, 21 Nov. 2025
Andy Rose, CNN Money, 21 Dec. 2025
Those who were only mildly impressed by Wicked will find this less fun than a barrel full of screeching flying monkeys.
—David Fear, Rolling Stone, 18 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for screeching
Adjective
The most memorable sound effect for Northwestern games at Ryan Field was a screeching Wildcat growl after big plays.
—Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 22 Nov. 2025
But Republicans are still hunting for an answer to the ObamaCare funding issue that brought the government to a screeching halt for 43 days.
—The Hill, 21 Nov. 2025
Verb
In the footage, distant headlights can be seen pulling up to the statue’s location, followed moments later by screeching tires and a metallic clang.
—Andy Rose, CNN Money, 21 Dec. 2025
Those who were only mildly impressed by Wicked will find this less fun than a barrel full of screeching flying monkeys.
—David Fear, Rolling Stone, 18 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for screeching
Recent Examples of Synonyms for screeching
Adjective
-
There’s a straight line between the criminal investigation of Federal Reserve Board Chairman Jerome Powell and increasingly shrill threats to seize Greenland.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
21 Jan. 2026
-
With sports gambling legalized throughout much of the country and growing rapidly, the NCAA and the sports gambling industry should be hearing shrill alarm bells in this indictment and acting accordingly.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
20 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
This seems to me as offensive to rationality as a saint shrieking into the air.—
Christian Wiman,
Harpers Magazine,
30 Dec. 2025
-
Meanwhile below, Frank chases Havlock through the dam’s tunnels on a snowmobile, the machine shrieking against concrete.—
JP Mangalindan,
Time,
5 Dec. 2025
Verb
-
Under the watchful eye of sheriffs deputies who threatened to ticket anyone caught standing in the road, along with a small number of National Guard members, the protesters took turns screaming swears and warming up in nearby parked cars.—
Christopher Cann,
USA Today,
28 Jan. 2026
-
An exodus of prosecutors who didn’t care for his staff screaming sessions and boorish press conferences.—
Gustavo Arellano,
Los Angeles Times,
26 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The Cheers alum regaled how his mom showed up on set of Indecent Proposal squealing like a 16-year old in her fandom of Redford, who warmly received her.—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
23 Jan. 2026
-
One moment that had fans squealing online was Williams’ interview with Gayle King, which included playing table hockey and a cheeky comment.—
Carolyn Burt,
Oc Register,
12 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
In another video shared by Vazquez, as a seemingly unarmed neighbor stands yelling, a police officer can be seen placing his hand on his gun.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
26 Jan. 2026
-
Hands are visible shortly before shooting Another video, taken across the street from where the shooting occurred, shows protesters yelling at officers during the immigration enforcement operation.—
Eduardo Cuevas,
USA Today,
24 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Screeching.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/screeching. Accessed 3 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
