cringe

verb

ˈkrinj How to pronounce cringe (audio)
Definition of cringenext
1
as in to wince
to draw back in fear, pain, or disgust gruesome crime scene photos that made several jurors cringe

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to flinch
to draw back or crouch down in fearful submission the puppy cringed when his master raised the rolled-up newspaper

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How is the word cringe distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of cringe are cower, fawn, toady, and truckle. While all these words mean "to behave abjectly before a superior," cringe suggests a bowing or shrinking in fear or servility.

a cringing sycophant

When is cower a more appropriate choice than cringe?

The meanings of cower and cringe largely overlap; however, cower suggests a display of abject fear in the company of threatening or domineering people.

cowering before a bully

When could fawn be used to replace cringe?

Although the words fawn and cringe have much in common, fawn implies seeking favor by servile flattery or exaggerated attention.

waiters fawning over a celebrity

When might toady be a better fit than cringe?

In some situations, the words toady and cringe are roughly equivalent. However, toady suggests the attempt to ingratiate oneself by an abjectly menial or subservient attitude.

toadying to his boss

Where would truckle be a reasonable alternative to cringe?

The words truckle and cringe can be used in similar contexts, but truckle implies the subordination of oneself and one's desires or judgment to those of a superior.

truckling to a powerful lobbyist

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 cringe San Jose Jazz Executive Director Brendan Rawson worked on those early indexes as a researcher and cringed at seeing some of his early graphics work from the ’90s shown on the big screen. —Sal Pizarro, Mercury News, 28 Feb. 2026 Continue reading … LOGGED OFF – Harris mocked for 'cringe' social media rebrand attempt after failed White House bid. —FOXNews.com, 6 Feb. 2026 Wanting anything, expressing any sort of enthusiasm or vulnerability, could be described by some as awkward or even cringe-worthy. —Tribune Content Agency, Baltimore Sun, 4 Feb. 2026 Social media has a way of turning medical misinformation into viral trends, and the latest example is making gynecologists everywhere cringe. —Ciara Lucas, SELF, 28 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for cringe
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cringe
  1. wince
  2. flinch
  3. recoil
  4. cower
Verb
  • Then, as things dragged on, Goldberg could be seen recoiling and wincing in her chair — and, at one point, fully collapsing backward in protest.
    — Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Mar. 2026
  • Forrest pushed it and winced as tear gas sprayed.
    — James Verini, New Yorker, 2 Mar. 2026
Definition of wince
Verb
  • Even as Michigan State came roaring back in the second half, cutting the lead to just two in the final minute, UCLA never flinched.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 14 Mar. 2026
  • And general manger Dan Morgan didn’t flinch.
    — Mike Kaye March 12, Charlotte Observer, 12 Mar. 2026
Definition of flinch
Verb
  • Coinbase’s effort, filled with little nuances and created to emulate the experience of a videogame, might have people welcoming another look rather than recoiling at seeing the spot for the 15th time in a period of just a few days.
    — Brian Steinberg, Variety, 12 Mar. 2026
  • In a flash, the Avs veteran flew right into a sprawling, helpless Ingram, who recoiled at the contact.
    — Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 11 Mar. 2026
Definition of recoil
Verb
  • The latest release, Resident Evil Requiem, tries to appeal to both sides by starring a new character, the cowering FBI agent Grace Ashcroft, and a series favorite, action hero Leon Kennedy.
    — Jay Peters, The Verge, 1 Mar. 2026
  • And his reaction’s not going to be to cower away.
    — Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 28 Feb. 2026
Definition of cower

Browse Nearby Words

crimsons
cringe
cringe (at)
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cringe.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cringe. Accessed 22 Mar. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on cringe

Nglish: Translation of cringe for Spanish Speakers

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