shriek
7 synonyms for shriek, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A sharp, high-pitched scream or cry.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
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.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. noun
A sharp, high-pitched scream or cry.
“A shriek echoed through the house when the lights went out.”
How to use shriek
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
shriek in terror
shriek with laughter
a piercing shriek
Etymology
From earlier English "shrick," related to Scandinavian words like Swedish skrika, ultimately imitative of the sound itself.
Full origin of shriek →Frequently asked questions
What does “shriek” mean?
The word “shriek” means a sharp, high-pitched scream or cry. In plain terms, a sudden, piercing scream, or to make one — from fear, pain, surprise, or even laughter.
How do you pronounce “shriek”?
“Shriek” is pronounced shreek (/ʃɹiːk/ in IPA).
How do you use “shriek” in a sentence?
Here is “shriek” used in a sentence: “A shriek echoed through the house when the lights went out.”
What is another word for “shriek”?
Words with a similar meaning to “shriek” include shrill.
What part of speech is “shriek”?
Depending on how it is used, “shriek” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “shriek” come from?
The word “shriek” comes from Swedish. From earlier English "shrick," related to Scandinavian words like Swedish skrika, ultimately imitative of the sound itself.
How many meanings does “shriek” have?
“Shriek” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a sharp, high-pitched scream or cry.
