charley horses

noun

plural of charley horse
as in cramps
a painful sudden tightening of a muscle had to stop and rest because of a charley horse in his leg

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for charley horses
  1. cramps
  2. stitches
Noun
  • Cyclosporiasis has been sickening thousands of people across the country, particularly in Michigan, recently with an intestinal illness causing explosive diarrhea with severe stomach cramps, bloating, nausea, fatigue, and unintended weight loss.
    — Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 18 July 2026
  • As body temperature rises and humidity limits the body’s ability to cool itself, mild symptoms such as cramps and headaches can progress to shortness of breath, dizziness, confusion, nausea, and ultimately life-threatening heat stroke.
    — Laura Schifter, Time, 17 July 2026
Definition of cramps
Noun
  • Manager Craig Counsell said Swanson likely needs stitches but should be fine.
    — Sean Hammond, Chicago Tribune, 18 July 2026
  • The canine subsequently bit a crew member, who required 15 stitches.
    — Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 15 July 2026
Definition of stitches
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Browse Nearby Words

charley horse
charley horses
charlie
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Cite this Entry

“Charley horses.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/charley%20horses. Accessed 23 Jul. 2026.

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