1
as in cry
a crying out in grief
a prolonged wail arose from every corner of the city as the victims of the earthquake were unearthed from the rubble
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in groan
a long low sound indicating pain or grief
rescuers heard a faint wail coming from the pile of rubble, a sure sign that one of the victims was still alive
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in whine
an expression of dissatisfaction, pain, or resentment
a transit fare increase that is sure to bring wails from the straphangers
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1
as in to complain
to express dissatisfaction, pain, or resentment usually tiresomely
the state's residents are always wailing about their high taxes
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2
3
as in to groan
to utter a moan
the patient lay in her bed, occasionally softly wailing in pain
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Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of wail
Literary Hub, 4 Sep. 2025
Even in quiet moments—picture foggy mornings, candlelit pubs, the distant wail of bagpipes—Edinburgh feels alive with mystery.
—Lewis Nunn, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
Miami Herald, 1 Sep. 2025
For the song’s second half, Alabama Shakes follow a thumping bridge into an extended psych-soul outro, Howard’s voice and the guitars wailing in the same anguished register.
—Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 29 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for wail
Noun
An ambulance siren wails past, coming up from the river.
—Literary Hub, 4 Sep. 2025
Even in quiet moments—picture foggy mornings, candlelit pubs, the distant wail of bagpipes—Edinburgh feels alive with mystery.
—Lewis Nunn, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
Verb
As the siren wailed before kickoff on the rainy night the stadium scoreboards flashed HURRICANE WARNING.
—Miami Herald, 1 Sep. 2025
For the song’s second half, Alabama Shakes follow a thumping bridge into an extended psych-soul outro, Howard’s voice and the guitars wailing in the same anguished register.
—Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 29 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for wail
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wail
Noun
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Their cries could indicate the pack is hurt or in trouble.—
Liz O'Connell,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 Oct. 2025
-
During the closing Neilah service after night has fallen, the practice concludes with the cries of the Shema prayer before the congregation erupts into song and dance.—
Krys'tal Griffin,
Freep.com,
2 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Even his mistake for Damsgaard’s opener brought more of a stunned silence than exasperated groans or impulsive anger from the locals.—
Anantaajith Raghuraman,
New York Times,
22 Sep. 2025
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The cheers that accompanied the sixth-inning rally quickly turned to groans in the top of the seventh when struggling Dodgers reliever Michael Kopech walked Jung Hoo-Lee and Bailey to open the inning before striking out Drew Gilbert.—
Mike Digiovanna,
Oc Register,
19 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The unfiltered electric soundtrack of the Evija goes from a piercing whine to an ear-splitting shriek.—
Tim Pitt,
Robb Report,
6 Aug. 2025
-
Moscow’s escalating air war and the distinctive whine of Shaheds is now forcing Ukrainians out of their beds and into shelters and metro stations on an almost-nightly basis.—
Clare Sebastian,
CNN Money,
25 July 2025
Verb
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In April, 44-year-old Marie Ange Blaise, a Haitian, died while being held at GEO’s Pompano Beach facility after complaining of chest pains.—
Shirsho Dasgupta,
Miami Herald,
26 Sep. 2025
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And faculty worry that teaching certain subject matter and texts might offend students and, if students complain, lead to administrative sanctions.—
Louis Menand,
New Yorker,
26 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Moments into the melody, a passing dog, leashed beside its owner, halted and began to howl in pitch with the jazz music.—
Melissa Fleur Afshar,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 Sep. 2025
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Once Upon a Brick — Wolf Guy gets himself into a hairy situation in this howling comedy.—
Brady MacDonald,
Oc Register,
19 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The deputies ultimately roll him over before putting on handcuffs as Mull can be heard moaning in pain.—
Nathaniel Percy,
Oc Register,
26 Sep. 2025
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The recognizable munchies didn't stop the cast members from moaning, groaning and throwing up as usual.—
Breanne L. Heldman,
PEOPLE,
25 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Specifically, in Nabers' case, that injury occurred on what has become a notorious turf surface at MetLife Stadium, which has also claimed other players' seasons to serious injuries, including multiple ACL and Achilles tears.—
Ryan Morik,
FOXNews.com,
2 Oct. 2025
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In August, the manager for Chris Brown surprised Monica with a new Maybach, bringing her to tears.—
Essence,
Essence,
2 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Sure, the stunts and smooches and big crying scenes are fun.—
Bethy Squires,
Vulture,
22 Sep. 2025
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But that joy recently turned into constant crying.—
Liz O'Connell,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Wail.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wail. Accessed 5 Oct. 2025.
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