as in to flinch
to draw back in fear, pain, or disgust
the social worker tried not to recoil from the sight of the cockroach in the bathtub
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in revulsion
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 recoil
Sylvan Lane, The Hill, 18 Dec. 2024
And while some professional colleagues recoil at his style, and even his substance, it’s endeared him to clients who appreciate his willingness to engage in today’s variant of public trial by combat.
—Gary Baum, The Hollywood Reporter, 21 Feb. 2025
Echo Apsey, Rolling Stone, 20 Dec. 2024
There are five layers of insulation consisting of foam, silicone and stabilizers that ensure a solid typing experience without that annoying and very loud spring recoil that the old IBM-style keyboards had.
—Mark Sparrow, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for recoil
Verb
Lower interest rates tend to spur the stock market, while investors typically recoil at rate hikes or delays in cuts.
—Sylvan Lane, The Hill, 18 Dec. 2024
And while some professional colleagues recoil at his style, and even his substance, it’s endeared him to clients who appreciate his willingness to engage in today’s variant of public trial by combat.
—Gary Baum, The Hollywood Reporter, 21 Feb. 2025
Noun
Movement speed is scaled back, and gun recoil is increased substantially to focus the experience on careful team play and precise targeting that can kill opponents with a shot or two.
—Echo Apsey, Rolling Stone, 20 Dec. 2024
There are five layers of insulation consisting of foam, silicone and stabilizers that ensure a solid typing experience without that annoying and very loud spring recoil that the old IBM-style keyboards had.
—Mark Sparrow, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for recoil
Recent Examples of Synonyms for recoil
Verb
-
The Lions were still losing, sure, but Campbell wasn’t flinching.—
Zak Keefer,
The Athletic,
15 Jan. 2025
-
In the 18th episode of the show’s current season, the baller whose team is hoping to become the first NFL squad to win three Super Bowls in a row at the big game on Feb. 9 doesn’t flinch while reading a question about friendship bracelets.—
Gil Kaufman,
Billboard,
29 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
Reviews of the Peacock series dripped with disdain and revulsion for the entire project: Here’s the Guardian: The show doesn’t just make the case for Anthony’s innocence all over again.—
Aja Romano,
Vox,
4 Mar. 2025
-
Jewish groups that are more broad-minded and sensible reacted with concern over the fate of the hostages and revulsion at the entire idea.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
8 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
By the end of the performance, Andress could be seen tilting her head down, wincing.—
Tomás Mier,
Rolling Stone,
5 Mar. 2025
-
The rapper could be seen slapping Rhodes hard on the side of the face, and Rhodes winced as soon as he was hit.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
Newsweek,
4 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Recoil.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/recoil. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share