shrill
Comparative
shriller
Superlative
shrillest
1
having a sharply high-pitched, harsh sound
- The shrill sound of the alarm clock jolted her awake.
- The whistle emitted a shrill noise, signaling the start of the game.
- The teapot whistled with a shrill tone when the water reached boiling point.
- The toddler let out a shrill scream in the supermarket, catching everyone's attention.
- The emergency siren wailed with a shrill pitch, alerting residents to take cover.
2
insistent and sharp in demand or complaint
- His shrill criticisms of the plan were hard to ignore.
- Her shrill demand for a refund echoed through the store.
- His shrill complaints about the food became unbearable.
- The shrill request for attention cut through the noise of the crowd.
Synonyms:
3
having a sharp, piercing quality that is intense and noticeable
- The shrill light of the streetlamp was blinding at night.
- The shrill flavor of the vinegar overwhelmed the dish.
- The shrill light of the flashlight pierced through the darkness.
- She was blinded by the shrill light coming from the flash.