Synonyms for

Cringe

Verb / krɪndʒ / Another word for cringe — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

To feel embarrassed, uncomfortable, or ashamed of something.

Synonyms & similar words

recoil grovel creep fawn funk shrink quail squinch flinch cower crawl wince wince flinch shudder blush squinch grimace quiver shiver recoil cramp falter hesitate shrivel squirm tremble cower quail

Synonyms by register

Formal

recoil flinch wince shrink

Informal

squirm grovel bow kowtow

Literary

quail cower shrink back

Antonyms

bold brave confident proud assured unashamed heroic

Common collocations

  • cringe at
  • cringe from
  • cringe in embarrassment
  • cringe with discomfort
  • cringe-worthy moment
  • cringe response
  • cringe comedy

Word family

noun cringing
verb cringe

Usage note

While 'cringe' can describe a physical reaction of fear or disgust, it is now very commonly used informally to describe secondhand embarrassment or awkwardness felt on behalf of someone else.

Example sentences

  1. I cringe when I hear someone singing off-key.
  2. She cringed at the thought of speaking in front of the large crowd.
  3. He cringed when he saw the spider crawling towards him.
  4. The embarrassing story made me cringe.
  5. I couldn't help but cringe when I saw the awful outfit.

Quotes

  • I cringe at the thought of my actions being misunderstood, not appreciated, or - worst of all - ignored.
  • I cringe when people don't know the difference between there, their, and they're.
  • I cringe when people use 'literally' incorrectly.

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