howl vs cry

howl and cry both are nouns.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
howl	Yes	No	Yes	No
cry	Yes	No	Yes	No

As nouns, cry is a hypernym of howl; that is, cry is a word with a broader meaning than howl:

As verbs, cry is a hypernym of howl; that is, cry is a word with a broader meaning than howl:

Other hypernyms of howl include call, holler, hollo, scream, shout, shout out, squall, yell.

howl (noun)	cry (noun)
a long loud emotional utterance	a loud utterance; often in protest or opposition
a loud sustained noise resembling the cry of a hound	a fit of weeping
the long plaintive cry of a hound or a wolf	a slogan used to rally support for a cause
	a loud utterance of emotion (especially when inarticulate)
	the characteristic utterance of an animal

howl (verb)	cry (verb)
laugh unrestrainedly and heartily	shed tears because of sadness, rage, or pain
make a loud noise, as of wind, water, or vehicles	bring into a particular state by crying
emit long loud cries	utter a sudden loud cry
cry loudly, as of animals	proclaim or announce in public
	utter a characteristic sound
	utter aloud; often with surprise, horror, or joy
	demand immediate action