shrill
5 synonyms and 2 antonyms for shrill, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — High-pitched and sharp, often unpleasantly so.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. adj
High-pitched and sharp, often unpleasantly so.
“The referee's shrill whistle cut through the noise of the crowd.”
Opposites
How to use shrill
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
shrill voice
shrill whistle
shrill cry
Etymology
From Middle English schrille, likely of Germanic origin, probably imitative of the sound.
Full origin of shrill →Frequently asked questions
What does “shrill” mean?
The word “shrill” means high-pitched and sharp, often unpleasantly so. In plain terms, a high, piercing sound — often used, especially of voices, to suggest it's grating or unpleasant.
How do you pronounce “shrill”?
“Shrill” is pronounced shrihl (/ʃɹɪl/ in IPA).
How do you use “shrill” in a sentence?
Here is “shrill” used in a sentence: “The referee's shrill whistle cut through the noise of the crowd.”
What part of speech is “shrill”?
Depending on how it is used, “shrill” can be an adjective and a verb.
Where does the word “shrill” come from?
The word “shrill” comes from Middle English. From Middle English schrille, likely of Germanic origin, probably imitative of the sound.
How many meanings does “shrill” have?
“Shrill” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: high-pitched and sharp, often unpleasantly so.
