Synonyms for

Cry

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

Definition

To shed tears, usually as a result of an emotional response to something.

Synonyms & similar words

squall yell shoutout scream callout shout cryout weep warcry blazonout laugh rallyingcry outcry battlecry hollo exclaim call watchword vociferation holler weep sob wail whimper blubber snivel bawl howl lament mourn bewail sorrow yowl mewl whine snuffle squall ululate bleat

Synonyms by register

Formal

weep lament sob

Informal

bawl blubber whimper wail

Literary

keene moan lament

Antonyms

rejoice celebrate laugh smile be happy be content

Common collocations

  • cry out
  • cry for help
  • cry tears
  • cry wolf
  • cry over spilled milk
  • cry in pain
  • cry with joy

Word family

noun cry
verb cry
adjective crying

Usage note

While 'cry' can refer to any shedding of tears, it often implies distress or sadness. 'Weep' is a more formal synonym, and 'bawl' is a more informal term for crying loudly.

Example sentences

  1. I cry when I'm sad.
  2. Sometimes babies cry for no reason.
  3. She will cry if she loses her favorite toy.
  4. I don't cry during scary movies.
  5. He might cry if he falls and hurts himself.

Quotes

  • Tears are words that need to be written. - Paulo Coelho
  • Crying is all right in its own way while it lasts. But you have to stop sooner or later, and then you still have to decide what to do. - C.S. Lewis
  • I was smiling yesterday,I am smiling today and I will smile tomorrow.Simply because life is too short to cry for anything. - Santosh Kalwar

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