What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
squeal
Example
The piglet let out a loud squeal when it saw its mother. [squeal: noun]
Example
The children squealed with delight when they saw the ice cream truck. [squealed: past tense verb]
Example
The car's tires squealed as the driver slammed on the brakes. [squealed: past tense verb]
shriek
Example
She let out a blood-curdling shriek when she saw the spider. [shriek: noun]
Example
The violinist produced a beautiful, high-pitched shriek from her instrument. [shriek: noun]
Example
The old printer emitted a loud shriek every time it printed a page. [shriek: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Shriek is more commonly used than squeal in everyday language. Shriek is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while squeal is less common and refers to specific situations, such as sounds made by animals or brakes.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between squeal and shriek?
Both squeal and shriek are informal words that are typically used in casual conversation or storytelling. However, shriek may be considered slightly more formal than squeal due to its association with negative emotions.
