as in stitch
a painful sudden tightening of a muscle
I was suddenly awakened by a cramp in my leg
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of cramp
María Quiles, Vogue, 20 Mar. 2025
Although Sabalenka was suffering from severe stomach cramps at the time, that two-and-a-half-hour battle was a breakthrough in more ways than one.
—Tim Ellis, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025
Molly Higgins, WIRED, 17 Mar. 2025
Pain That Interferes With Daily Life Some cramping or discomfort during your period can be expected.
—Cathy Cassata, Health, 4 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cramp
Noun
Mood swings, irritability, headaches, acne, and cramps are some of the most common symptoms suffered by women during the week leading up to menstruation.
—María Quiles, Vogue, 20 Mar. 2025
Although Sabalenka was suffering from severe stomach cramps at the time, that two-and-a-half-hour battle was a breakthrough in more ways than one.
—Tim Ellis, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025
Verb
Queen is the most popular size but can get cramped with more than two people.
—Molly Higgins, WIRED, 17 Mar. 2025
Pain That Interferes With Daily Life Some cramping or discomfort during your period can be expected.
—Cathy Cassata, Health, 4 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cramp
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cramp
Verb
-
The charges were first dropped a few weeks into President Donald Trump’s second term in part because the case would impede Adams’ ability to do his job as mayor, including cooperating with Trump’s immigration crackdown, the Justice Department’s new acting deputy attorney general wrote.—
Gloria Pazmino,
CNN Money,
3 Apr. 2025
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Removing opportunities for public commentary could impede the department’s ability to operate in the public’s interest, according to experts who spoke with Reuters.—
Joshua P. Cohen,
Forbes.com,
3 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Such rigid mentalities can lead team members to avoid challenges, fear failure and resist feedback, which ultimately hinders their organizations’ overall business growth.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
31 Mar. 2025
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One of them is using higher-tech methods to build a comprehensive online portal for city services that doesn't confuse or hinder residents.—
Annalise Frank,
Axios,
31 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Frederiksen said that other European nations are also on Denmark's side in this back-and-forth with Trump, already hampering the ties between the U.S. and its allies since Trump regained office.—
Ivan Pereira,
ABC News,
28 Mar. 2025
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With a starting rotation hampered by injuries, the Mets are going to rely on the offense and bullpen to get them through the beginning of the season.—
Ryan Canfield,
FOXNews.com,
27 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
But the medical-looking royal blue bottles of nicotine lozenges embarrassed her.—
Will Yakowicz,
Forbes.com,
30 Mar. 2025
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Many of them had to fail, repeat, embarrass themselves, risk everything, and learn.—
Ars Technica,
Ars Technica,
23 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Yoon has repeatedly accused Lee’s Democratic Party of abusing its parliamentary majority status to obstruct his agenda, impeach senior officials and slash the government’s budget bill.—
Time,
Time,
8 Apr. 2025
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Keep clear of puddles - Driving through puddles or low rainwater areas can cause vehicles to hydroplane or skid out of control Don't tail large vehicles closely - Trucks or buses can kick up a water spray that obstructs visibility.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
8 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
The early flights were handicapped by bulky suits and an unanticipated need for gloves capable of precise movement.—
Alice George,
Smithsonian Magazine,
18 Mar. 2025
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Help is limited: The Palestinian Authority is strapped for cash, and the main U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees, known by the acronym UNRWA, has been handicapped by Israeli legislation.—
Julia Frankel,
TIME,
28 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Cramp.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cramp. Accessed 13 Apr. 2025.
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