cramp 1 of 3

noun (1)

ˈkramp How to pronounce cramp (audio)
Definition of crampnext
as in stitch
a painful sudden tightening of a muscle I was suddenly awakened by a cramp in my leg

Synonyms & Similar Words

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cramp

2 of 3

noun (2)

as in obstacle
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

cramp

3 of 3

verb

as in to impede
to create difficulty for the work or activity of having to constantly entertain guests at the summer cottage was really cramping my writing efforts

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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 cramp
Noun
Bananas contain potassium, which can help prevent muscle cramps that keep you up at night. — Carley Millhone, HEALTH, 14 Aug. 2026 Symptoms commonly include watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, bloating, gas, nausea, fatigue, loss of appetite and weight loss. — Tiffany Acosta, AZCentral.com, 11 Aug. 2026
Verb
One end has no roof, while the stand opposite feels a tad cramped. — Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026 But Bloom checked in at three floors and 163,000-square feet and at no point does any of it feel cramped. — Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 10 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for cramp
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cramp
  1. stitch
  2. obstacle
  3. impede
  4. contraction
  5. hurdle
  6. hinder
  7. spasm
  8. embarrassment
Noun
  • The bandages, cuts and stitches were still fresh from the terrifying attack on Jones Street on Wednesday evening.
    — Tammy Mutasa, CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026
  • The interior section of my policy covers reconditioning, repair, or replacement of surfaces damaged due to normal wear and tear, including loose seam stitches, rips, and tears.
    — Christopher Elliott, Mercury News, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of stitch
Noun
  • Travelers leaving Ceuta and Melilla, Spain’s other territory in North Africa, are subject to exit checks at ports and airports, an obstacle for migrants who enter the territories illegally and hope to reach the European continent.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 20 Aug. 2026
  • The design is meant to move around any obstacles, including the free weights collection near your pilates mat, meaning no more sweaty spots in your home gym.
    — Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of obstacle
Verb
  • Lynda Albertson, an art-crime analyst, said the works are instantly recognizable, impeding any effort to sell them through reputable channels.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Lynda Albertson, an art crime analyst, said the works are instantly recognizable, impeding any effort to sell them through reputable channels.
    — Colleen Barry, Los Angeles Times, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of impede
Noun
  • At a moment when the industry is redefining its future, inclusion can be part of the solution, not a casualty of contraction.
    — Angelique Jackson, Variety, 13 Aug. 2026
  • That contraction has compressed the planet’s crust, producing enormous cliffs and ridges known as lobate scarps.
    — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of contraction
Noun
  • Russia's small and medium businesses already have been hit hard by tax increases, regulatory hurdles and, most recently, a fuel crisis from attacks on oil refineries.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Harper Hutton, 12, of Aurora Flyers, placed second in the girls pentathlon high jump, fourth in the pentathlon 80-meter hurdles and pentathlon long jump and fifth in the girls pentathlon shot put.
    — Addison Wright, Chicago Tribune, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of hurdle
Verb
  • Moser's mother, Rachel Moser, was charged with hindering the apprehension of a fugitive, tampering with evidence, and related charges.
    — Michael Guise, CBS News, 21 Aug. 2026
  • The administration’s postponement of a Food and Drug Administration rule hampered the food safety system, which hindered a response to the outbreak.
    — Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of hinder
Noun
  • On Saturday, Nick Bolton essentially got a rest day with three plays and Drue Tranquill did not play because of back spasms.
    — Pete Sweeney, Kansas City Star, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Adames diagnosed with back strain Shortstop Willy Adames, who left Wednesday’s game early due to back spasms, underwent an MRI on Thursday that revealed a low back strain.
    — Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of spasm
Noun
  • When service is done and cleaned up, both Joy and Kayley cry tears of embarrassment and frustration.
    — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Their love is expressed through proximity, embarrassment, loyalty, silence, and simply remaining present.
    — Dana Feldman, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of embarrassment

Phrases Containing cramp

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cramming
cramp
cramped
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Cite this Entry

“Cramp.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cramp. Accessed 23 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on cramp

Nglish: Translation of cramp for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cramp

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