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 Enervated cuteness and tryhard sincerity define a whole new wave of musicians, from Pittsburgh rockers feeble little horse to cringe-pop upcycler Worldpeace DMT to SoundCloud producer MASSI, whose songs spill with the tiny adorable detail of a toy train set. — Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork, 15 June 2026 While some automotive enthusiasts still cringe at the mention of a continuously variable transmission, Subaru’s execution here is among the better examples in the industry. — Tim Jackson, Denver Post, 29 May 2026 Mingione cringed when asked if any of his players had gotten hurt by a hit by pitch. — Mitch Light, New York Times, 22 May 2026 Everyone thought the first season was so cringe and felt so bad for her. — Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 14 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for cringe
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cringe
  1. wince
  2. flinch
  3. recoil
  4. cower
Verb
  • My husband walked into the room and winced as one of the women changed into a perfect re-creation of an American Girl–doll outfit (very theater kid, not his thing).
    — Kaitlyn Tiffany, The Atlantic, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Today, hardly anyone winces at its many iterations, from teeny-weeny bikini to the tankini in dots large or small.
    — Tonya Blazio-Licorish, Footwear News, 24 July 2026
Definition of wince
Verb
  • The bear case on AI capex has always rested on concentration, the idea that a handful of American hyperscalers carry the entire buildout and will eventually flinch.
    — Jon Markman, Forbes.com, 9 Aug. 2026
  • When thrown against a far more complex mix containing copper, nickel, and sodium, the system didn’t flinch.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of flinch
Verb
  • All of these features make for a wonderfully light-recoiling shotgun.
    — Alex Robinson, Outdoor Life, 12 Aug. 2026
  • When councilman Steve Novick threatened to sue, the Blazers recoiled and became obstinate.
    — Jason Quick, New York Times, 21 July 2026
Definition of recoil
Verb
  • Bret and Thom run to Susan’s bedroom door, which opens to reveal Debbie and Ryan cowering shirtless before the long-haired intruder.
    — Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Not the kind who cowered from viruses and obsessed over death.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 Aug. 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 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on cringe

Nglish: Translation of cringe for Spanish Speakers

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