squeal 1 of 2

verb

ˈskwēl How to pronounce squeal (audio)
Definition of squealnext
1
as in to talk
to give information (as to the authorities) about another's improper or unlawful activities that stool pigeon squealed to the police about the whole smuggling operation

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in to shriek
to cry out loudly and emotionally the child squealed with frustration

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to complain
to express dissatisfaction, pain, or resentment usually tiresomely hoped that a DVD player in the backseat would keep the kids from squealing about long car rides

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

squeal

2 of 2

noun

as in screech

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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 squeal
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
Noun
The line had swelled into a throng, which broke into a collective squeal as stars Robert Pattinson and Zendaya stepped out of a van to greet the crowd. — Julian Sancton, HollywoodReporter, 8 May 2026 Even in the midst of that sweltering Lagos day of thumping car music and raucous engines and the truck that honked at her for dancing too close, Miriam’s squeal stood out, a siren. — ‘pemi Aguda, Literary Hub, 6 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for squeal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for squeal
  1. talk
  2. shriek
  3. complain
  4. screech
  5. squeak
  6. scream
  7. whine
  8. squawk
Verb
  • Fleming by body camera footage, approached Parker, who was talking on his cellphone.
    — Daniel McFadin, Arkansas Online, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Maybe a family watches a favorite performer together, while nearby strangers start talking because someone forgot sunscreen and their friend packed enough for six people.
    — Svetlana Khachiyan, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of talk
Verb
  • The addition of the electric guitar, drums and Jack White’s shrieking vocals transformed it into a rock song, while also keeping its signature folksiness.
    — Stephanie Sengwe, PEOPLE, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The other customers cowered in the corners, while crowds formed at the windows outside, shrieking and recording the scene on their phones.
    — Robert F. Worth, The Atlantic, 10 July 2026
Definition of shriek
Verb
  • The sport is now on TV every night of the week these days—and unlike some traditionalists, football-loving families aren’t complaining.
    — Beth Ann Mayer, Parents, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Undermining an alliance Coupang is not the first American company to complain of targeting by South Korean regulators.
    — Justin Papp, CNBC, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of complain
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
  • Its movements and squeaks change in response to the person interacting with it, giving caregivers another way to reduce distress and encourage engagement.
    — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2026
  • LightDesire Musical Caterpillar Tummy Time Toy From squeaking noises to baby rattles to teething toys, this music caterpillar contributes to a complete multi-sensory experience.
    — BestReviews, Mercury News, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of squeak
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
Verb
  • The state compared Atrium to a soccer team whining about the referees.
    — Bob Herman, STAT, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Players who are selfish, whine or complain are bounced without hesitation.
    — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of whine
Noun
  • For aviation geeks or those who simply want to keep track of their plane’s unique flying data and route, squawk codes can be tracked on apps and websites like Flightradar24 and Flight Beacon.
    — Staff Author, Travel + Leisure, 22 July 2026
  • Air traffic control at Heathrow cleared the flight for a priority return after the pilots issued a squawk 7700 — the code for a general emergency.
    — Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 12 June 2026
Definition of squawk

Browse Nearby Words

squeaky-clean
squeal
squealed
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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