CRY PLAINTIVELY is a phrase that describes a type of crying that is done in a loud and sorrowful manner. The two crossword solutions for this term are BLEAT and BLAT. BLEAT is a verb that means to make a plaintive cry, usually associated with sheep or goats. BLAT is a verb that means to make a loud, harsh sound, often used to describe the sound of a trumpet. Both words can be used to describe the sound of someone crying plaintively.