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What is another word for Cringe? – 227 Cringe Synonyms

    Need another word for Cringe? Use these synonyms of Cringe from our thesaurus to say it differently.


    Synonyms & Similar Words

    squirm wince recoil shrink flinch blush tremble quiver shudder convulse contort distort grimace scowl frown pout sulk mope droop slump crumple collapse fold buckle weaken falter hesitate stumble stagger trip fall tumble totter teeter wobble quail cower cringe grovel creep crawl slink sneak skulk hide shrink away draw back recoil from retreat withdraw backpedal backtrack reverse repent regret rue lament bemoan grieve mourn sorrow agonize torture anguish distress discomfort unease disquiet anxiety apprehension fear dread alarm panic fright terror horror

    Meaning of Cringe

    The primary meaning of the word "cringe" is to feel or express embarrassment or disgust, often causing someone to physically shrink away or recoil.

    Definitions

    • Feel embarrassed or ashamed, often causing someone to physically shrink away or recoil
    • Feel a strong sense of embarrassment, shame, or disgust, often accompanied by a physical reaction such as shrinking away or recoiling
    • Cause someone to feel embarrassed or ashamed, often by doing something awkward or unpleasant

    Etymology of Cringe

    The word "cringe" originated in the 14th century from the Old English word "cringan", which meant "to bend or bow", and is related to the Old Norse word "kringja", which meant "to bend or curve"
    The word initially meant "to bend or bow" and later developed the sense of "to feel embarrassed or ashamed" in the 16th century

    Example Uses

    • The audience cringed at the actor's poor performance
    • She cringed when she saw her ex-boyfriend at the party
    • He cringed at the thought of public speaking
    • The video made me cringe with its awkward dialogue and poor acting

    Antonyms & Near Antonyms

    proud confident brave fearless bold daring adventurous carefree joyful happy delighted pleased thrilled excited ecstatic enthusiastic eager willing ready prepared composed calm serene tranquil peaceful comfortable relaxed at ease unembarrassed unashamed unaffected unruffled unflappable stoic indifferent unconcerned unmoved unbothered unaffected

    Related Nouns

    embarrassment shame disgust humiliation mortification chagrin regret remorse guilt anxiety fear dread alarm panic fright terror horror unease disquiet discomfort distress torture anguish sorrow grief mourning lament bemoaning repentance atonement penance expiation

    Related Verbs

    embarrass shame humiliate mortify chagrin regret repent grieve mourn lament bemoan agonize torture anguish distress discomfort disquiet alarm fright terrify horrify intimidate cow crumple collapse buckle weaken falter hesitate stumble stagger trip fall tumble totter teeter wobble

    Related Adjectives

    embarrassing shameful disgusting humiliating mortifying chagrined regretful remorseful guilty anxious fearful dreadful alarming panic-stricken frightened terrified horrible uneasy disquieting uncomfortable distressing torturous anguished sorrowful grief-stricken lamentable bemoaned repentant atoning expiatory cringeworthy awkward unpleasant disagreeable offensive repulsive repugnant vile odious loathsome abhorrent detestable