1
2
as in to distort
to twist (something) out of a natural or normal shape or condition
squinched up her eyes in disgust
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to flinch
to draw back in fear, pain, or disgust
didn't squinch a bit when the intruder pulled a knife on him
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of squinch
Judith H. Dobrzynski, WSJ, 4 May 2018
Here, she's added parted lips, slightly sucked-in cheeks, and a subtle chin tilt on top of her master squinch.
—Chelsea Peng, Marie Claire, 1 Oct. 2015
Mary Carole McCauley, baltimoresun.com, 18 Jan. 2022
To deepen the illusion that life is just one big fashion spread, we've been trained to 1) smize, 2) duck face, 3) squinch, and now, 4) fish gape.
—Chelsea Peng, Marie Claire, 1 Oct. 2015
Verb
Brick squinches, here decorated with windows and patterns mimicking those below, are not unique to the Samanid mausoleum.
—Judith H. Dobrzynski, WSJ, 4 May 2018
Here, she's added parted lips, slightly sucked-in cheeks, and a subtle chin tilt on top of her master squinch.
—Chelsea Peng, Marie Claire, 1 Oct. 2015
Noun
Some boys and girls look directly at the camera, while others squinch up their faces.
—Mary Carole McCauley, baltimoresun.com, 18 Jan. 2022
To deepen the illusion that life is just one big fashion spread, we've been trained to 1) smize, 2) duck face, 3) squinch, and now, 4) fish gape.
—Chelsea Peng, Marie Claire, 1 Oct. 2015
Recent Examples of Synonyms for squinch
Verb
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Finally, the day arrived, and my friend Kelly Curtis and then-girlfriend Nancy Wilson were crouched behind the camera with Amy.—
Cameron Crowe,
HollywoodReporter,
24 Oct. 2025
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Right then, crouched on the floor of MacDowell’s Cheney studio, Luise discovered a whole new way of working.—
Grace Edquist,
Vogue,
23 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Some items may become distorted or break down over time if washed with the wrong materials.—
Daley Quinn,
Southern Living,
21 Oct. 2025
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Trump’s communication strategies are already setting a global precedent, encouraging other politicians to adopt similar theatrical and polarizing tactics that distort or deny facts.—
Andrew Rojecki,
The Conversation,
21 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Ross passed the day's examination with flying colors – barely flinching at the rubber chicken.—
Laura L. Davis,
Nashville Tennessean,
6 Oct. 2025
-
But none of the band members ever flinched over the divide that formed over their pre- and post-Vheissu sound.—
Brian Davids,
HollywoodReporter,
30 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Thomas turned around and squeezed DeChambeau’s leg with anxiety, his face in a nervous grimace.—
Brody Miller,
New York Times,
29 Sep. 2025
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Per the season's sneak peek, this year's voyage pairs steamy trysts among the crew with some grimace-worthy incidents, from jellyfish sightings and jet ski accidents (and what looks to be a lone charter guest floating out to sea on a raft).—
Randall Colburn,
Entertainment Weekly,
29 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The cryptocurrency industry’s top legislative priority is facing yet more headwinds shortly after CEOs huddled with senators to salvage bipartisan talks.—
Eleanor Mueller,
semafor.com,
24 Oct. 2025
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Set it up on an outdoor table in your backyard or bring it with you while tailgating or huddled up on the sidelines of a soccer game.—
Maggie Horton,
PEOPLE,
23 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Mora scored twice against Spain to rescue a draw in the group stage, first skipping into the box after a nutmeg and a neat one-two and curling into the corner before a snapshot volley at the far post.—
Thom Harris,
New York Times,
23 Oct. 2025
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Fans of curling, figure skating, and a weird sport where people ski and then fire a gun are eagerly anticipating February 2026 for the return of the Winter Olympics!—
Dalton Ross,
Entertainment Weekly,
17 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Why Paying More Miles Was Worth It Points pros might wince at using KrisFlyer for all segments when Star Alliance partner programs like Air Canada Aeroplan or United MileagePlus can price lower.—
Chris Dong,
Travel + Leisure,
17 Oct. 2025
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Lina winces at the sound of Jaya munching on an apple, made worse by the static on the line.—
Hazlitt,
Hazlitt,
8 Oct. 2025
Noun
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But Thursday, as Latu relived the play in the locker room, his frustration manifested itself into a frown.—
James Boyd,
New York Times,
10 Oct. 2025
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There's room for laughs amid the tears and smiles amid the frowns.—
David Oliver,
USA Today,
7 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Squinch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/squinch. Accessed 26 Oct. 2025.
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