flinch

verb

\ ˈflinch

flinched; flinching; flinches

Definition of flinch

: to withdraw or shrink from or as if from pain : wince He flinched when he was presented with the car repair bill. also : to tense the muscles involuntarily in anticipation of discomfort I cannot help flinching when I hear the dentist's drill.

Other Words from flinch Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about flinch

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Choose the Right Synonym for flinch

recoil, shrink, flinch, wince, blench, quail mean to draw back in fear or distaste. recoil implies a start or movement away through shock, fear, or disgust. recoiled at the suggestion of stealing shrink suggests an instinctive recoil through sensitiveness, scrupulousness, or cowardice. shrank from the unpleasant truth flinch implies a failure to endure pain or face something dangerous or frightening with resolution. faced her accusers without flinching wince suggests a slight involuntary physical reaction (such as a start or recoiling). winced in pain blench implies fainthearted flinching. stood their ground without blenching quail suggests shrinking and cowering in fear. quailed before the apparition

Examples of flinch in a Sentence

He flinched when I tapped him on the shoulder. She met danger without flinching. The bill was much higher than expected, but he paid it without flinching.

Recent Examples on the Web

On his left, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo turns his head away from Trump and looks down at the dinner plate in front of him, while on his right, Hutchinson flinches, straightens up abruptly and casts her eyes toward the president. — Rebecca Tan, Washington Post, "Pursed lips and glances to the floor: Watch Trump aides react to his attacks on Germany," 11 July 2018 Democrats screamed, but neither Mr. McConnell nor Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley flinched. — Fred Barnes, WSJ, "Mitch McConnell Is the Master of Confirming Judges," 9 July 2018 Those who demand the glossy veneer of big brand luxury, may flinch at the bumpy roads leading to farms. — Lauren Mowery, USA TODAY, "Costa Rican coffee, from rural farms to Starbucks' visitor center," 26 June 2018 That time, Harden flinched at Glad, causing him to jump back and teammate Nene gave him a little push on the shoulder to back him off. — Matt Young, Houston Chronicle, "James Harden slaps cell phone of heckling Jazz fan," 3 May 2018 Many Syrians flinch at the idea of going back, fearful that they will be killed, forced into camps or dragooned into the army. — The Economist, "Syrian refugees could turn into the new Palestinians," 30 June 2018 Silently, in the first seconds of Zederbaum's video, Shue flinched and another officer covered his ears. — Jane Wester, charlotteobserver, "Video: 'Ambush' at CMPD headquarters put one officer in hospital, killed a suspect | Charlotte Observer," 10 Apr. 2018 The pace slowed and the game was tied at 74 in overtime before C.J. Washington and Bieniemy didn't flinch when they were sent to the free-throw line. — Adam Coleman, Houston Chronicle, "Tompkins takes down South Garland in overtime, earns state title game berth," 9 Mar. 2018 While roaming around Thailand, Bourdain didn't flinch as a friend ordered up a meal of pig's brain at a restaurant. — Doug Criss, CNN, "Brains, blood and beavers: Relieving Anthony Bourdain's most badass moments," 8 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'flinch.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.