OpenSynonym

cackle

/ˈkækəl/

NOUN

1. Loud and harsh laughter

A loud, sharp, broken, or unpleasant laugh, often characterized by a high-pitched or exaggerated sound.

1.1. Boisterous and unrestrained laughter

Used to describe loud, vigorous, or uncontrollable laughter, particularly when someone laughs in an exaggerated or somewhat harsh manner.

Synonyms

Examples

  • The witch's sinister cackle echoed through the dark forest.
  • Her loud cackle interrupted the otherwise quiet conversation.
  • The comedian's outrageous jokes produced a series of hearty cackles from the audience.

Related Words

  • hilarity
  • merriment
  • mirth
  • amusement
  • hysterics
  • glee
  • uproar
  • laughter

1.2. A hen's characteristic cry

Used to describe the distinctive series of loud, sharp, broken vocal sounds produced by a hen, especially after laying an egg.

Synonyms

Examples

  • The hen's cackle could be heard throughout the farmyard.
  • A loud cackle erupted from the chicken coop after the hen laid an egg.
  • The farmer recognized the familiar cackle of his oldest hen.

Related Words

  • hen
  • rooster
  • poultry
  • chicken
  • fowl
  • egg
  • birdcall
  • gaggle

1.3. Noisy and foolish conversation

Used informally to describe noisy, lively, or silly talk, particularly conversations involving excessive chatter, gossip, or meaningless remarks.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Examples

  • The office was filled with the cackle of employees exchanging gossip during their break.
  • Their endless cackle made it difficult for anyone else to concentrate.
  • The guests continued their cheerful cackle long after dinner had ended.

Related Words

VERB

2. To laugh loudly and harshly

To laugh in a loud, sharp, broken, or exaggerated manner, often producing a sound that may seem unpleasant, mocking, or mischievous.

2.1. Loud and uncontrolled laughter

Used when someone laughs loudly and energetically, often in response to something particularly amusing or ridiculous.

Synonyms

  • guffaw
  • chortle
  • chuckle
  • giggle
  • snicker
  • snigger
  • titter
  • roar
  • cachinnate

Examples

  • The old woman began to cackle when she heard the ridiculous story.
  • The children cackled with delight as they watched the comedy performance.
  • The villain cackled triumphantly after revealing his elaborate plan.

Related Words

  • laughing
  • hilarity
  • mirth
  • amusement
  • merriment
  • hysterics
  • glee

2.2. Mocking and malicious laughter

Used to describe harsh or exaggerated laughter that expresses ridicule, scorn, wicked amusement, or satisfaction at another person's misfortune.

Synonyms

  • sneer
  • snicker
  • snigger
  • scoff
  • guffaw

Antonyms

  • sympathize
  • commiserate
  • console

Examples

  • The villain cackled maliciously as his enemies realized they had been deceived.
  • The bullies cackled at the unfortunate student's mistake.
  • She cackled with delight at the unexpected failure of her rival.

Related Words

2.3. Making a hen-like or birdlike cry

Used when a hen or another bird produces a series of sharp, loud, broken vocal sounds characteristic of cackling.

Synonyms

Examples

  • The hens cackled noisily in the farmyard.
  • A group of geese cackled as they gathered near the pond.
  • The chicken cackled loudly after laying an egg.

Related Words

2.4. Talking noisily and foolishly

Used informally when people engage in excessive, silly, or noisy conversation, often involving gossip or trivial subjects.

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • keep quiet
  • remain silent

Examples

  • The guests cackled away about their neighbors throughout the afternoon.
  • The group cackled excitedly while exchanging stories and gossip.
  • The children cackled and chattered during the entire journey.

Related Words

  • conversation
  • small talk
  • chitchat
  • gossip
  • banter
  • idle talk
  • loquacity