outcry

noun

out·​cry ˈau̇t-ˌkrī 

1

a

: a loud cry : clamor

b

: a vehement protest

There was a public outcry over his comments.

2

: auction

Synonyms of outcry

• roar
• noise
• howl

Examples of outcry in a Sentence

They were surprised by the outcry against the casino proposal.

There was a lot of public outcry over his racial comments.

Recent Examples on the Web

The law’s far-reaching impacts have prompted an outcry from Florida residents, local officials and home rule advocates, who argue that locals should have the right to plan the future of their cities and counties. —Ryan Ballogg, Miami Herald, 21 Dec. 2025

The shooting sparked an outcry about police treatment of Black people and systemic racism, especially after a grand jury decided not to indict Loehmann or his partner. —CBS News, 21 Dec. 2025

The remarks drew immediate outcry from lawmakers on Capitol Hill. —Nandika Chatterjee, Time, 20 Dec. 2025

These were among the questions students faced in the exam – known locally as the Suneung – this November, which prompted such intense outcry that the exam body’s top official stepped down last week, according to public broadcaster KBS. —Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 19 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for outcry

• apply
• awry
• belie
• bely
• bigeye
• bonsai
• buckeye
• comply
• coxae
• decry
• defy
• deny

Kids Definition

outcry

noun

out·​cry ˈau̇t-ˌkrī 

1

: a loud cry : clamor

2

: a strong protest