scream
6 synonyms and 0 antonyms for scream, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A loud, high-pitched cry expressing strong emotion such as fear, pain, or excitement.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use scream
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Middle English scremen, related to Dutch and Scandinavian words meaning \"to yell\" or \"to terrify.\"
Full origin of scream →Frequently asked questions
What does “scream” mean?
The word “scream” means a loud, high-pitched cry expressing strong emotion such as fear, pain, or excitement. In plain terms, a loud cry of strong emotion, or to make one; also used figuratively for something obviously true or evident.
How do you pronounce “scream”?
“Scream” is pronounced skreem (/skɹiːm/ in IPA).
How do you use “scream” in a sentence?
Here is “scream” used in a sentence: “Her scream brought the neighbors running.”
What part of speech is “scream”?
Depending on how it is used, “scream” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “scream” come from?
The word “scream” comes from Middle English. From Middle English scremen, related to Dutch and Scandinavian words meaning \"to yell\" or \"to terrify.\".
Is “scream” a common word?
“Scream” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “scream” have?
“Scream” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a loud, high-pitched cry expressing strong emotion such as fear, pain, or excitement.
What is the difference between a scream and a shout?
A scream is a loud, high-pitched cry expressing strong emotion such as fear, pain, or excitement. A shout is loud but not necessarily high-pitched and often carries words, so screaming is sharper and more emotional than shouting.
What is the difference between a scream and a screech?
A scream is a loud, high-pitched human cry driven by strong emotion. A screech is a harsh, grating, high-pitched sound that can come from a person, an animal, or an object such as brakes, so a screech emphasises harshness more than emotion.
What is the difference between scream and shriek?
Both describe a loud, high-pitched cry. A shriek is usually shorter, sharper, and more sudden, while a scream can be more sustained, though the two words are often used to mean much the same thing.
What is the difference between scream as a noun and as a verb?
As a noun, a scream is the loud, high-pitched cry itself, as in she let out a scream. As a verb, to scream is the act of producing that cry, especially from fear, pain, or excitement, as in she began to scream.