Synonyms for

Cries

Verb / kraɪz / Another word for cries — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

To shed tears or make a loud noise expressing sadness or pain.

Synonyms & similar words

squall yell shoutout scream callout shout cryout weep warcry cry blazonout laugh rallyingcry outcry battlecry hollo exclaim call watchword vociferation holler sobs weeps whimpers wails laments bawls blubbers howls mourns bewails sorrow moans yowls shrieks screeches squalls ululates roars shouts

Synonyms by register

Formal

weeps sobs laments

Informal

bawls wails squawks

Literary

keens moans wails

Antonyms

laughs smiles rejoices cheers celebrates giggles

Common collocations

  • loud cries
  • soft cries
  • cries of pain
  • cries for help
  • cries of joy
  • cries out
  • cries of anguish
  • baby cries

Word family

noun cry
verb cry
adjective crying

Usage note

The word 'cries' can refer to vocalizations of distress, pain, or strong emotion, but also to loud calls or shouts. It is often used figuratively to express a strong demand or plea.

Example sentences

  1. The baby cries when she is hungry.
  2. He cries when he falls down and hurts himself.
  3. She cries tears of joy when she sees her family after a long time.
  4. The little girl cries during the sad parts of movies.
  5. He cries out in pain when he accidentally cuts himself.

Quotes

  • Tears come from the heart and not from the brain. - Leonardo da Vinci
  • I have cried, I have wept, but I never knew what real crying was until I met a man who had no shoes. - An anonymous quote
  • The tears of the world are a constant quantity. For each one who begins to weep somewhere else another stops. - Samuel Beckett

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