SHRIEK Synonyms: 39 Similar and Opposite Words

shriek 1 of 2

verb

ˈshrēk

Definition of shriek

as in to scream

to cry out loudly and emotionally the children shrieked with excitement

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

shriek

2 of 2

noun

as in scream

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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

Fans shrieked and hollered as every player in the realmwide war — Queen Rhaenyra (Emma D’Arcy), Prince Daemon (Matt Smith), the Sea Snake (Steve Toussaint) and his nemesis Lohar (Abigail Thorn) — popped up. — Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 22 June 2026 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

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

Verb

Otherwise, there’s definitely a family-friendly element to the hotel (the whole storybook feel screams childhood), though the food options may be a little bit advanced for a kids’ palate.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Aug. 2026
His career numbers – 24 touchdown passes against 22 interceptions – hardly scream program savior.

— Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of scream

Noun

The screech of guitar feedback echoed from a makeshift stage outside, where a punk-rock band had just launched into their set, a fitting accompaniment to the bar’s kaleidoscopic selection of beer.

— Taran Dugal, New Yorker, 21 Aug. 2026
La Vierge de Fer contrasts the delicate fruit and a lily note with the screech of cold metal, sparkling aldehydes, and lilting sandalwood.

— Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of screech

Verb

Video shot by OnScene TV on August 9 showed people rushing in and out of the store, some carrying merchandise, as roaring engines and squealing tires are heard in the background.

— David Zahniser, Los Angeles Times, 16 Aug. 2026
Who's signing up for France's annual pig-squealing championship?

— Amber Harding OutKick, FOXNews.com, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of squeal

Noun

No stomping rhythms here, no shrill blasts in unison, no sweaty masculinity souring the air, no red faces.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 Aug. 2026
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

Definition of shrill

Browse Nearby Words

shrews

shriek

shrieked

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Cite this Entry

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“Shriek.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shriek. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of shriek

verb

noun

Example Sentences

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