246 Another Word for Cringe? – Cringe Synonyms & Antonyms

Want to say cringe differently? Here are other words for cringe and its similar synonyms and opposite words to say in unique way.


Meaning of cringe

The primary meaning of the word "cringe" is to feel or express embarrassment or disgust.

Etymology of cringe

The word "cringe" has its roots in Old English and Middle English, where it was used to describe the act of bending or curving, often in a way that showed fear, respect, or submission
Over time, the word took on a broader range of meanings, including the idea of feeling or expressing embarrassment, disgust, or discomfort

Synonyms

embarrass flinch recoil shrink wince blush flush squirm fidget tremble quake shudder convulse contort twist grimace scowl sneer snarl snicker smirk simper flush glimmer gleam sparkle glance peek peep glimpse leer gawk stare gape goggle ogle gawp blink flutter tremble palpitate throb pulsate vibrate quiver shiver shudder shiver thrill tingle prickle creep crawl squirm wriggle wiggle frown pout sulk scowl lower droop slump sag flag funk blues doldrums gloom dejection despair despondency desolation desperation hopelessness helplessness powerlessness weakness feebleness frailty fragility vulnerability sensitiveness sensibility sentimentality

Definitions

  • Feel or express embarrassment or disgust: to feel or show embarrassment or disgust, often in a way that is obvious to others
  • Draw back or bend suddenly: to draw back or bend suddenly, often because of fear, pain, or embarrassment
  • Feel a strong and unpleasant sensation: to feel a strong and unpleasant sensation, often because of something that is embarrassing, disgusting, or frightening

Usage Examples

  • The audience cringed at the actor's terrible performance
  • She cringed when she saw her ex-boyfriend at the party
  • He cringed at the thought of having to give a speech in front of a large crowd
  • The movie was so bad that it made me cringe
  • I cringe when I think about what I said to my boss yesterday

Antonyms

proud confident self-assured composed poised calm serene tranquil relaxed comfortable at ease delighted thrilled excited eager enthusiastic proud dignified respectful admiring approving impressed pleased satisfied content happy joyful elated ecstatic exhilarated proud smug self-satisfied complacent arrogant haughty superior condescending patronizing disdainful scornful contemptuous

Related Adjectives

embarrassing shameful guilty remorseful regretful uncomfortable uneasy anxious fearful dreadful apprehensive nervous awkward self-conscious humiliating mortifying chagrined vexed irritated frustrated exasperated desperate hopeless despondent desolate despairing dejected sad sorrowful melancholy gloomy despondent uncomfortable unpleasant disagreeable distasteful disgusting repulsive offensive annoying irritating frustrating exasperating

Related Nouns

embarrassment shame guilt remorse regret discomfort unease anxiety fear dread apprehension trepidation nervousness awkwardness self-consciousness humiliation mortification chagrin vexation irritation annoyance frustration exasperation desperation hopelessness despondency desolation despair dejection sadness sorrow grief melancholy gloom despondence

Related Verbs

embarrass shame mortify humiliate abash confound discomfit discomfort unsettle unnerve intimidate frighten terrify appall horrify disgust repel offend annoy irritate vex frustrate exasperate despair despond grieve mourn lament bemoan regret repent atone blush flush glow sparkle shine glimmer gleam glitter dazzle
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