screeching

adjective

screech·​ing ˈskrē-chiŋ How to pronounce screeching (audio)
Synonyms of screechingnext
: abrupt, sudden
her career came to a screeching halt

Synonyms of screeching

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Examples of screeching in a Sentence

the screeching blast of the factory whistle hurt my ears
Recent Examples on the Web
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 American Eagle took its first paying customers for a screeching fun ride. — Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 23 May 2026 The developments brought Wall Street’s record-breaking rally to a screeching halt, with technology stocks weighing on indexes. — Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 13 May 2026 Boyd’s good works come to a screeching halt when she and her group are surrounded and captured by Palmer and his little cohort, including Boyd’s former partner, Fred Stanislaus. — Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 22 May 2026 That rushing attack was ground to a screeching halt, though, as Pitt came into Morgantown and upset the Mountaineers by the now infamous 13-9 scoreline. — Austin Perry Outkick, FOXNews.com, 6 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for screeching

Word History

First Known Use

1904, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of screeching was in 1904

Phrases Containing screeching

Rhymes for screeching

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Browse Nearby Words

screecher
screeching
screeching/crashing halt
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Cite this Entry

“Screeching.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/screeching. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

screeching

adjective
screech·​ing ˈskrē-chiŋ How to pronounce screeching (audio)
: sudden sense 1a
her career came to a screeching halt

More from Merriam-Webster on screeching

Nglish: Translation of screeching for Spanish Speakers

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