Flinch, recoil, and wince are all synonyms of quail, but each word has a slightly different use. When you flinch, you fail to endure pain or to face something dangerous or frightening with resolution ("she faced her accusers without flinching"). Recoil implies a start or movement away from something through shock, fear, or disgust ("he recoiled at the suggestion of stealing"). Wince usually suggests a slight involuntary physical reaction to something ("she winced as the bright light suddenly hit her eyes"). Quail implies shrinking and cowering in fear ("he quailed before the apparition").
Noun
We had quail for dinner. Verb
Other politicians quailed before him.
He quailed at the thought of seeing her again.
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
While many of the plates highlight seafood—like in Ramirez’s truffle Hokkaido sea urchin on brioche—a couple dishes emphasize meat or game from specialty farms, such as quail from Wolfe Ranch.—Tori Latham, Robb Report, 16 July 2024 But in a uniquely Arizona turn of events, a viral video shows a quail fighting off a snake for her eggs in Tucson.—Shelby Slade, The Arizona Republic, 26 Apr. 2024
Verb
Few have the financial resources to brave the periodic downdrafts in the stock market without quailing.—Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2024 Modern agricultural practices have eliminated many of the weeds that quail thrive on.—Brent Frazee, Kansas City Star, 31 Jan. 2024 See all Example Sentences for quail
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'quail.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
Noun
Middle English quaile, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin quaccula, of imitative origin
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