There are several synonyms for the phrase "cry out". Some common alternatives include shout, yell, scream, wail and howl. If you want to express a softer version of "cry out", you can use the word "whimper", which suggests a low and weak cry, usually made by a person or an animal in pain. Another alternative is "call out", which could mean shouting or speaking in a loud voice to get someone's attention. Alternatively, you could use "exclaim" or "proclaim", which indicate announcing something emphatically. Regardless of the synonym you choose, each has its own nuances and connotations that can add a different flavor to your writing.