weep
9 synonyms and 1 antonym for weep, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To cry, especially with sobbing, as an expression of strong emotion.
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.
Antonyms
How to use weep
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
weep for joy
weep openly
wound weeping
"Weep" is more literary and emotionally intense than plain "cry".
Etymology
From Old English wēpan ("to weep, lament"), from a Germanic root meaning "to cry out".
Full origin of weep →Frequently asked questions
What does “weep” mean?
The word “weep” means to cry, especially with sobbing, as an expression of strong emotion. In plain terms, to cry tears, or, less commonly, to slowly leak moisture.
How do you pronounce “weep”?
“Weep” is pronounced weep (/wiːp/ in IPA).
How do you use “weep” in a sentence?
Here is “weep” used in a sentence: “The wound continued to weep for a couple of days.”
What is another word for “weep”?
Words with a similar meaning to “weep” include beweep, burst into tears, cry, cry one's eyes out, greet and shed a tear.
What is the opposite of “weep”?
The opposite of “weep” — its antonyms — is laugh.
What part of speech is “weep”?
“Weep” is a verb.
Where does the word “weep” come from?
The word “weep” comes from Old English. From Old English wēpan ("to weep, lament"), from a Germanic root meaning "to cry out".
Is “weep” a common word?
“Weep” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
