16 Synonyms for Cry Out | Another Word for Cry Out (With Examples)

You know those times when someone screams for help, yells in surprise, or calls out with excitement? Instead of always saying "cry out," there are lots of fun and easy words you can use! Words like "shout," "howl," and "yell" all give different feelings. In this post, you'll learn 16 of the best and easiest synonyms for "cry out," with clear meanings and examples.

1. Yell

Yell means to cry out loudly, usually when you are angry, excited, or need attention. You might yell if someone scares you or if you want to be heard in a noisy place. "He had to yell across the street to get his friend's attention." It's a common word and very easy to use. Kids often yell when playing or arguing. You can yell in joy, fear, or even just for fun. When your voice gets loud fast, you're yelling!

2. Shout

Shout means to speak very loudly, often because you want someone far away to hear you. It's also used when you feel strong emotions like anger or surprise. "She shouted for help when she saw the fire." Shouting can be both happy and sad. People shout at sports games, in emergencies, or even when they're excited. Shout is a basic and clear word to use when talking about loud talking or crying out. It's a simple way to show strong feeling or urgency.

3. Scream

Scream means to make a loud, high sound, usually because you are scared, hurt, or very excited. "The kids screamed when the roller coaster dropped." Scream shows a lot of emotion. It's louder and more intense than a yell or shout. People scream in horror movies or when they are in pain. Sometimes, people scream with joy too. It's a strong word that tells you someone is feeling something very big. If it's loud and sharp, it's probably a scream.

4. Screech

Screech is a loud, sharp, and sometimes painful sound, like when someone is scared or something makes a high noise. "She screeched when she saw the spider on her pillow." Screech can be used for voices or sounds, like brakes or alarms. It usually doesn't sound pleasant. If someone's voice screeches, it's very high-pitched. People screech when surprised or frightened. It's stronger and sharper than just yelling. Think of it as a scream that's even louder and more sudden.

5. Howl

Howl means to cry out loudly, like a dog or wolf, but people can howl too when in pain or feeling deep emotion. "He howled in pain after hurting his leg." It's used for strong sadness or pain, but sometimes people howl with laughter. The word gives a deep, long sound. It's a very emotional word and shows that someone is crying out deeply. When it comes from animals or people, it always means something loud and powerful is happening.

6. Wail

Wail means to cry out with a long, sad sound. It's often used when someone is crying hard or very upset. "The baby wailed when she couldn't find her mother." People wail when they are in pain or mourning. It's different from a short scream—it lasts longer and sounds full of sadness. Wailing shows that someone is deeply hurting inside. It's not just crying; it's loud crying with sound. If you hear a wail, you know someone is very upset.

7. Call

Call means to say someone's name or speak loudly to get attention. It's not always about being scared—it's more about trying to talk to someone from a distance. "She called to her friend across the playground." You can call out for help, for someone to come over, or just to say hello. It's a simple and friendly way to cry out. This word is easy and useful for many situations when you're trying to get someone's attention.

8. Exclaim

Exclaim means to say something suddenly and loudly, often because you are surprised or excited. "'Wow, that's amazing!' she exclaimed." It's a word used for joyful, shocked, or emotional moments. Exclaiming is more about strong feelings in your words than just being loud. You don't have to shout or scream—you just speak with feeling. It's perfect for showing surprise or delight in stories. When you say something with excitement and energy, you're exclaiming!

9. Roar

Roar means to cry out very loudly, like a lion, or to make a deep, powerful sound. "The crowd roared when the team scored the winning goal." It's used when lots of people are making noise or when one person is yelling with power. Roar sounds strong and full. It can be used for cheering, anger, or even laughter. If someone is roaring, you know it's loud and hard to ignore. Roar brings big energy and sound into any moment.

10. Bellow

Bellow means to shout deeply and loudly, like a bull or a big voice. "The teacher bellowed across the classroom for everyone to sit down." It's more than a simple yell—it's a loud, booming sound. Bellowing is often used when someone wants to control a crowd or show strong emotion. It's serious and strong, not soft or polite. This word is great for describing big, bold sounds that echo. If someone bellows, you'll hear it loud and clear!

11. Shriek

Shriek means to make a very high and loud sound, usually because of fear, surprise, or pain. "She shrieked when the balloon popped next to her." It's a sudden, sharp sound that's hard to ignore. Shriek can be louder than a scream and is often shorter. It's common in scary movies or when people are startled. This word paints a picture of someone really reacting to something fast and loud. If it's sharp, sudden, and high-pitched, it's probably a shriek.

12. Holler

Holler is a casual word that means to shout or call out loudly. It's often used in friendly or playful ways. "Just holler if you need anything!" It's like yelling but feels less serious or angry. Hollering can be done for fun, for help, or just to be heard. It's a great word to use when you're talking about people calling out to each other in a relaxed way. It's loud, but not always emotional. Holler is great for friendly cries.

13. Yelp

Yelp means a quick, high cry, often made when someone is hurt or scared suddenly. "He let out a yelp when the cold water hit him." It's short, sharp, and very fast. Dogs often yelp when stepped on, and people yelp when surprised by pain. It's not a long cry—just a quick sound. If something happens suddenly and it hurts or shocks you, you might yelp. This word is great for describing fast reactions to something unexpected.

14. Blurt

Blurt means to say something quickly and without thinking, often loudly. "He blurted out the answer before anyone else could speak." It's not always about emotion, but it is sudden. Blurting is usually done when someone is excited, nervous, or can't hold something in. It can be funny or embarrassing. This word is more about fast speech than screaming, but it still shows someone speaking out suddenly. If words just come out without warning, that's a blurt.

15. Clamor

Clamor means a loud noise made by a group of people shouting or calling at once. "The fans created a clamor after the concert." It's not one person yelling—it's many. Clamor shows that lots of voices are crying out together, often in excitement, anger, or protest. It's loud, messy, and full of energy. This word is perfect when a crowd is making noise, not just one voice. If everyone's shouting and it's noisy, that's a clamor.

16. Vociferate

Vociferate means to speak or cry out loudly with strong emotion. It's a formal word, but it still means loud talking or shouting. "He vociferated his opinions during the meeting." You probably won't hear this word every day, but it's useful when someone is really loud about their thoughts. It's often used when someone is arguing or standing up for something they believe in. Vociferate is about being vocal and powerful in how you speak. It's a big word for a big voice!

Final Thoughts

When someone cries out, there are so many ways to say it besides just "cry out." Whether you scream, holler, or shriek, each word tells a little more about the feeling behind the sound. Some are loud and fun, others are full of fear or pain. Using these different words helps you speak and write in a clearer, more interesting way. Try using them when you tell a story or talk about a moment that really surprised or scared you. Your words will stand out!