shriek 1 of 2

verb

ˈshrēk How to pronounce shriek (audio)
Definition of shrieknext
as in to scream
to cry out loudly and emotionally the children shrieked with excitement

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

shriek

2 of 2

noun

as in scream

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Dissimilar Words

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 shriek
Verb
Now, if there was just some way to go back and re-edit a supercut without Kate Capshaw's squealing and shrieking. — Chris Nashawaty, Entertainment Weekly, 13 June 2026 As the base runners scampered home, tying the game, Chicago players and fans alike shrieked with glee. — Literary Hub, 8 June 2026
Noun
For decades, Bob, Hamilton and John Adams provided the soundtrack to Cleveland summers, whether through a steady, calming voice, a home-run shriek or a reliable drumbeat. — Zack Meisel, New York Times, 16 May 2026 Less than 30 seconds later came the shriek of the two missiles that lanced through Turmus’ car. — Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 4 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for shriek
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shriek
  1. scream
  2. screech
  3. squeal
  4. shrill
  5. yell
  6. squeak
  7. yelp
Verb
  • The shooting of Fuentes Zambrano cannot be seen on the footage, but a woman’s screams and four additional shots can be heard, per the complaint.
    — Ben Brachfeld, PEOPLE, 22 July 2026
  • The key is to train the mind to relax, just chill, even though somebody’s at the doorbell, even though somebody’s walking into the kitchen, little kids screaming through the house.
    — Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 20 July 2026
Definition of scream
Noun
  • Equally notable throughout the game was the angry screech, reserved for whenever the Czech Republic players had the ball — or worse — were given a free kick.
    — Jack Lang, New York Times, 26 June 2026
  • Guests range from ordinary commuters to figures like Cate Blanchett and Julian Casablancas, all subject to the same fluorescent lighting and ambient subway screech.
    — Arushi Jacob, Variety, 19 June 2026
Definition of screech
Verb
  • Toddlers squealed and played, and an older woman cried softly.
    — Will Freeman, New Yorker, 30 June 2026
  • In the clip, Niney is pictured talking calmly on his cell phone as Gasly races around him in the Alpine car, squealing the tires.
    — Miles Socha, Footwear News, 29 June 2026
Definition of squeal
Noun
  • Conversely, the drum tones fluctuate between sloshy and shrill, either contributing to the chaos or cutting through like a fire alarm.
    — Patrick Lyons, Pitchfork, 16 July 2026
  • The book is closely argued but at times shrill and inconsistent.
    — Dexter Filkins, New Yorker, 12 Jan. 2026
Definition of shrill
Verb
  • On Thursday morning, a man broke into the Today studio in Rockefeller Plaza and yelled racial slurs at host Craig Melvin.
    — Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 17 July 2026
  • The intruder allegedly confronted co-host Craig Melvin, yelling racial slurs.
    — Yamillah Hurtado, PEOPLE, 17 July 2026
Definition of yell
Noun
  • The mice used some of the squeaks within their nests and others on the fringes of their territory.
    — Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 3 June 2026
  • Others reported a persistent squeak.
    — BestReviews, Mercury News, 29 May 2026
Definition of squeak
Noun
  • Some yelp in pain after stepping barefoot on a peanut or toy.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 8 June 2026
  • Lee's voice has always been Sui generis, a distinctive instrument caught between a whine and a yelp yet immediately recognizable.
    — Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 8 June 2026
Definition of yelp

Browse Nearby Words

shrews
shriek
shrieked
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Shriek.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shriek. Accessed 23 Jul. 2026.

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