Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Showing results for shrill. Search instead for shrille.
Definitions

shrill

[shril] / ʃrɪl /
ADJECTIVE
high-pitched, harsh in sound
Synonyms
STRONGEST
deafening discordant earsplitting noisy piercing raucous sharp strident
STRONG
blaring clanging penetrating piping screeching thin treble
WEAK
acute argute blatant cacophonous clangorous ear-piercing high metallic
Antonyms
STRONGEST
calm low mild moderate quiet soft

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“My grandmother was a sharecropper in Arkansas, and I know that this is the same thing,” a man shouts at one point as whistles shrill and a handheld siren wails.

From Slate • Feb. 11, 2026

“I know James isn’t going to take the impression in a more self-righteous or shrill direction,” he says—not because “SNL” is playing things safe, but because the bit simply wouldn’t be as funny.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 3, 2025

We must transcend the shrill negative feelings and emotions that characterized the campaign season.

From Salon • Jan. 21, 2025

“We were harsh and shrill, and not nice”, he added, arguing that this resulted in many previous Conservative voters backing the Liberal Democrats or staying at home.

From BBC • Sep. 30, 2024

The voice was high, and shrill, and commanding.

From "Impossible Creatures" by Katherine Rundell