outcry

noun

out·​cry ˈau̇t-ˌkrī How to pronounce outcry (audio)
Synonyms of outcrynext
1
a
: a loud cry : clamor
b
: a vehement protest
There was a public outcry over his comments.
2
: auction

Synonyms of outcry

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Examples of outcry in a Sentence

They were surprised by the outcry against the casino proposal. There was a lot of public outcry over his racial comments.
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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The outcry came after a left-wing account on X posted a video, dated Thursday, showing two National Guard members standing nonchalantly by a ballot drop box. — Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 9 Oct. 2026 At the time, public outcry from the Malibu community also motivated Caltrans and the city to find solutions. — Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 9 Oct. 2026 Then in 1989, an assailant attacked an elementary school in Stockton, California, using an assault rifle to kill five people and wound 29, prompting public outcry and calls to restrict such weapons. — Robert Spitzer, The Conversation, 8 Oct. 2026 For Netanyahu, ongoing violence at this level—just enough to prevent Gaza’s meaningful recovery and reconstruction but not enough to trigger a major international outcry—has become an end unto itself. — Khaled Elgindy, Foreign Affairs, 8 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for outcry

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of outcry was in the 14th century

Rhymes for outcry

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Browse Nearby Words

outcrossing
outcry
outcurve
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Cite this Entry

“Outcry.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/outcry. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

outcry

noun
out·​cry ˈau̇t-ˌkrī How to pronounce outcry (audio)
1
: a loud cry : clamor
2
: a strong protest
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