squealed

USAGE SUMMARY

"squealed" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to refer to a loud, shrill sound often produced by animals. For example: "The pig squealed as it was taken to the slaughterhouse."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

The New Yorker

Independent

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Michelle told me that when her daughters found out they were related to Big Bird, they squealed and danced around the kitchen.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He squealed.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

One car, rock music blaring from its stereo, squealed to a stop, blocking an intersection.

The Economist

At a meeting last week she urged them to return money advanced by central government in previous years on the basis of growth estimates that turned out to be overly optimistic.Not possible, squealed the PP regions (backed by Socialist Andalusia).

The Economist

The small countries have squealed, but they will still, rightly, hold a veto in many crucial areas, and that will be a huge asset to them: when, after all, were Malta, Estonia or Slovenia ever able in the past to say no to their bigger brothers on anything at all?

The Economist

Investors squealed as the share price fell by 70% in ten months.

The Economist

Business leaders squealed and claimed the ruling was ill-founded and incorrect.

The Economist

Unfairly so, thanks to subsidies, squealed the American lumber lobby.

The Economist

Talk shows seized on it, and the McCain campaign squealed sexism.Meanwhile, Virginia's 13 electoral votes (out of 270 needed to win) are up for grabs.

The Economist

The result will look more like the 1930s Glass-Steagall act in America than many British bankers had hoped.That these bankers have not squealed louder partly reflects relief that regulatory uncertainty should now diminish.

The Economist

The government had been keen to squeeze the sector until it squealed, but falling commodity prices and a deteriorating trade balance seem to have made it moderate its plans.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "squealed" to vividly describe a high-pitched sound made by a person or animal, especially when conveying excitement, fear, or protest. It adds a more descriptive and emotional touch compared to simply saying "said" or "shouted".

Common error

Avoid using "squealed" excessively in formal or professional contexts, as it can sometimes be perceived as informal or overly dramatic. Opt for more neutral alternatives like "stated" or "announced" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

Squealed functions primarily as a verb, specifically the past tense of "squeal". It describes the act of making a high-pitched, piercing cry or sound. As Ludwig AI confirms, this can be an expression of excitement, fear, or protest, as illustrated in many examples from Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

The New Yorker

28%

Independent

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

Squealed, the past tense of "squeal", is a versatile verb used to describe a high-pitched sound, often associated with excitement, fear, or protest. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and very commonly used, particularly in news and media, and literary contexts like The New Yorker. While generally considered neutral in register, it's advisable to use more formal alternatives in professional or scientific writing. Remember to leverage "squealed" to enhance vivid descriptions, but be mindful of overuse and context to maintain appropriate tone and clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

screamed

Indicates a louder, more intense vocalization, often expressing fear or excitement.

shrieked

Suggests a very high-pitched, piercing cry, often conveying terror or extreme emotion.

yelled

Implies a loud shout, which may or may not be high-pitched, often used to convey anger or urgency.

cried out

A more general term for making a sudden, loud vocalization, possibly indicating pain or surprise.

protested loudly

Focuses on the act of objecting vehemently, rather than the specific sound made.

exclaimed

Highlights a sudden, emphatic expression, often of surprise or delight.

howled

Suggests a prolonged, mournful cry, similar to that of a wolf or dog.

bellowed

Indicates a deep, loud roar, typically used to express anger or dominance.

wailed

Implies a prolonged, sorrowful cry, often associated with grief or lamentation.

squeaked

Refers to a short, high-pitched sound, often made by small animals or objects.

FAQs

How can I use "squealed" in a sentence?

"Squealed" is typically used to describe a high-pitched, often excited or frightened sound. For example, "The children "squealed" with delight when they saw the presents" or "The brakes "squealed" as the car stopped suddenly".

What can I say instead of "squealed"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "screamed", "shrieked", "yelled", or "cried out". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "squealed" or "squealed out"?

"Squealed" is generally sufficient. "Squealed out" can be used, but it might sound redundant. Using just ""squealed"" is often clearer and more concise.

What is the difference between "squealed" and "whispered"?

"Squealed" describes a loud, high-pitched sound, often expressing excitement or fear, while "whispered" refers to a quiet, hushed tone, often used for secrets or privacy. They are opposite in terms of volume and emotional tone.