as in contractions
a painful sudden tightening of a muscle
I was suddenly awakened by a cramp in my leg
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
as in obstacles
something that makes movement or progress difficult
an antismoking ordinance that was seen as just another cramp on business by bar owners
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in hinders
to create difficulty for the work or activity of
having to constantly entertain guests at the summer cottage was really cramping my writing efforts
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of cramps
Brandi Jones, Health, 18 Sep. 2025
Mild symptoms may include muscle cramps and headache, while more severe consequences can include disturbances to your heart rhythm or even death, Barron said.
—Maggie O'Neill, Verywell Health, 18 Sep. 2025
Typical symptoms include diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps.
—Matthew Robinson, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Sep. 2025
The drug had a robust safety and tolerability record throughout the clinical trial stages, with the most common side effects reported being hypovolemia, headache, muscle cramps, dizziness and nausea.
—New Atlas, 15 Sep. 2025
Symptoms can include rashes, hives, sore throat, stomach cramps and, in some cases, difficulty breathing and anaphylaxis.
—Raven Brunner, PEOPLE, 14 Sep. 2025
Symptoms of the infection include diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, fever, chills, dangerously low blood pressure and blistering lesions.
—Mollye Barrows, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2025
For example, many well-hydrated athletes experience cramps, while others competing in hot, humid conditions remain unaffected.
—Michael Hales, The Conversation, 9 Sep. 2025
Symptoms can include dehydration, bloody diarrhea and abdominal cramps.
—George Monastiriakos, Newsweek, 30 Dec. 2024
Noun
Electrolyte imbalances may cause fatigue, muscle cramps, weakness, or an irregular heartbeat.
—Brandi Jones, Health, 18 Sep. 2025
Mild symptoms may include muscle cramps and headache, while more severe consequences can include disturbances to your heart rhythm or even death, Barron said.
—Maggie O'Neill, Verywell Health, 18 Sep. 2025
Typical symptoms include diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps.
—Matthew Robinson, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Sep. 2025
The drug had a robust safety and tolerability record throughout the clinical trial stages, with the most common side effects reported being hypovolemia, headache, muscle cramps, dizziness and nausea.
—New Atlas, 15 Sep. 2025
Symptoms can include rashes, hives, sore throat, stomach cramps and, in some cases, difficulty breathing and anaphylaxis.
—Raven Brunner, PEOPLE, 14 Sep. 2025
Symptoms of the infection include diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, fever, chills, dangerously low blood pressure and blistering lesions.
—Mollye Barrows, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2025
For example, many well-hydrated athletes experience cramps, while others competing in hot, humid conditions remain unaffected.
—Michael Hales, The Conversation, 9 Sep. 2025
Symptoms can include dehydration, bloody diarrhea and abdominal cramps.
—George Monastiriakos, Newsweek, 30 Dec. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cramps
Verb
-
This hinders the delivery of critical alerts and real-time actions.—
Michael De Nil,
Forbes.com,
11 Sep. 2025
-
The Bonner hamstring injury further hinders this crew.—
Chris Perkins,
Sun Sentinel,
21 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Maintain a safe distance from large vehicles - Trucks or buses can produce a water spray that hampers visibility.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
18 Sep. 2025
-
Maintain a safe distance from large vehicles - Trucks or buses can produce a water spray that hampers visibility.—
KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT,
Kansas City Star,
17 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The university has also cracked down on chalking on campus sidewalks, which critics say impedes the free speech rights of students.—
Chris Quintana,
USA Today,
10 Sep. 2025
-
Let go of whatever impedes your growth.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
5 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Don't tail large vehicles closely - Trucks or buses can kick up a water spray that obstructs visibility.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
16 Sep. 2025
-
According to California’s Civil Code, anything that obstructs the free use of property and interferes with someone’s life or property is a nuisance.—
Sacbee.com,
Sacbee.com,
14 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The wait can leave workers wondering what’s fair and what’s legal when an employer delays payment.—
Tiffani Jackson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
8 Sep. 2025
-
John Malkovich shows up for a tangent that is meant to be expositional, but really only needlessly delays what’s coming.—
Richard Lawson,
HollywoodReporter,
7 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Cramps.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cramps. Accessed 21 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share