sob
11 synonyms for sob, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To cry with short, gasping breaths.
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. verb
To cry with short, gasping breaths.
“She sobbed quietly into her pillow after the phone call.”
2. noun
A short, gasping cry, or the sound it makes.
“A single sob escaped her before she composed herself.”
How to use sob
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
sob uncontrollably
a heaving sob
sob into someone's shoulder
Etymology
From Middle English sobben, likely linked to old Germanic words for drooling or slobbering — the crying sense developed from the shaky, gasping breath.
Full origin of sob →Frequently asked questions
What does “sob” mean?
The word “sob” means to cry with short, gasping breaths. In plain terms, to cry with broken, heaving breaths, or the sound of that kind of crying.
How do you pronounce “sob”?
“Sob” is pronounced sob (/sɑb/ in IPA).
How do you use “sob” in a sentence?
Here is “sob” used in a sentence: “She sobbed quietly into her pillow after the phone call.”
What part of speech is “sob”?
Depending on how it is used, “sob” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “sob” come from?
The word “sob” comes from Middle English. From Middle English sobben, likely linked to old Germanic words for drooling or slobbering — the crying sense developed from the shaky, gasping breath.
Is “sob” a common word?
“Sob” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “sob” have?
“Sob” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to cry with short, gasping breaths.
