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blare

blare

9 4.2
A loud harsh sound that hurts your ears, like an alarm or horn
  • noun
  • /blɛr/
translation icon : estruendo
  • As the parade began, the blare of trumpets filled the air, signaling the start of the celebration.
  • blare of trumpets

Examples

  • I hear a whoosh, then the blare of the bus horn.

    Fiction book (1996)
  • There was only the steady blare of the television filtering through the ceiling to remind him.

    Fiction book (1994)
  • There was a sudden loud blare of trumpets.

    Fiction book (1995)
  • The television blares below: the CNN news theme this time.

    Fiction book (1998)
  • Meantime, nuclear experts struggled to convey an accurate message to the public over the blare of the media circus.

    Academic text (2011)
  • Herald Square was filled with a holiday throng and resounded to the blare of horns.

    Academic text (2011)
  • The door opened, and the tomblike silence was shattered by a blare of Mexican music that was heavy on decibels and brass instruments.

    Fiction book (1999)
  • The red light snaps on, the siren growls and blares, and they're off down the street.

    Fiction book (1991)
  • Lights blinked in a blare of color, metal hulls glittered like talons, and the traffic roared its hunger.

    Fiction book (2001)
  • The driver behind us echoed our Montuno's harelip beep with the operatic blare of a 1957 Olds Rocket 88.

    Fiction book (1997)

Synonyms

noise
vsblare
1.0

A loud, unpleasant sound that disturbs you

is one specific instance rather than the general category
boom
vsblare
195 2.1

A long deep loud noise like thunder or a cannon

is usually shorter and not as low or prolonged
roar
vsblare
142 1.0

A loud deep continuous sound made by animals, crowds, or machines

is usually less deep and not as low-pitched
screeching
vsblare
58 3.3

A very loud high sound that hurts your ears

is usually lower in pitch and less piercing
honk
vsblare
45 1.6

A loud harsh sound like a goose or car horn

is not limited to a particular call or device
screech
vsblare
39 2.9

A loud, high, sharp sound that startles people

is usually lower in pitch
din
vsblare
28 3.9

Loud, unpleasant noise that continues and comes from many sources

is a brief harsh burst rather than an ongoing racket
clamor
vsblare
  • US
15 6.0

A loud noise by people demanding change

is not an intentional public outcry
cacophony
vsblare
14 8.4

A loud, unpleasant mix of different sounds

is a single sound rather than a clashing mixture
bellowing
vsblare
4 5.9

A very loud deep shout like an animal's roar

is not necessarily a voiced shout or cry

Antonyms

660 2.0

A period with no sound or speech

How Loud

blast
27 2.7
blare
9 4.2
noise
1.0
murmur
36 4.1
whisper
110 1.0

Surface Forms

blare singular
blares plural

Etymology

Blare comes from an old sound-making word that copies a loud noise, like a horn or an alarm, so blare means a 'loud, harsh, and unpleasant noise'.