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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of cramp
Joe Rexrode, New York Times, 14 Feb. 2026
Esparza said the symptoms that raise red flags include blood in stool or rectal bleeding; changes in bowel habits such as diarrhea, constipation or narrowing of stool that lasts more than a few days; unintended weight loss; and cramps or abdominal pain.
—CBS News, 13 Feb. 2026
New Atlas, 19 Feb. 2026
Athletes are cramped for space; not just by their fellow athletes and their 10-foot skis, but also by the pressure implicit in sport where jumpers will often receive just two attempts.
—Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 19 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for cramp
Noun
If Peterson had cramps in that second half against BYU, why wasn’t anyone tending to him?
—Joe Rexrode, New York Times, 14 Feb. 2026
Esparza said the symptoms that raise red flags include blood in stool or rectal bleeding; changes in bowel habits such as diarrhea, constipation or narrowing of stool that lasts more than a few days; unintended weight loss; and cramps or abdominal pain.
—CBS News, 13 Feb. 2026
Verb
Also, the Barefoot's slim, cramped wet bath compartment never looked like the most comfortable to use, so opening up that space might ultimately improve life on the road.
—New Atlas, 19 Feb. 2026
Athletes are cramped for space; not just by their fellow athletes and their 10-foot skis, but also by the pressure implicit in sport where jumpers will often receive just two attempts.
—Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 19 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for cramp
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cramp
Verb
-
Aid groups say the true war death toll could be many times higher, as the fighting in vast and remote areas impedes access.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
21 Feb. 2026
-
Although privacy advocates have praised the ability of encryption to effectively scramble messages so third parties are unable to snoop on people’s conversations, various members of law enforcement have said that doing so impedes their ability to investigate certain crimes.—
Jonathan Vanian,
CNBC,
20 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Children need problem-solving skills to thrive outside their parents' home—lawnmower parenting can hinder the development of those skills.—
Jazmin Towe,
Parents,
22 Feb. 2026
-
The team successfully addressed a recurring liquid hydrogen leak issue — which had previously hindered testing — by replacing seals that held firm during this full fueling process.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
20 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Maintain a safe distance from large vehicles - Trucks or buses can produce a water spray that hampers visibility.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
23 Feb. 2026
-
Moore was drafted in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft by the Arizona Cardinals, playing three years there before a series of injuries hampered his career.—
Dianna Russini,
New York Times,
22 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The team embarrassed Canada, 5-0, in the preliminary round, and swept the North American neighbor in four straight Olympic tune-ups.—
Sean Gregory,
Time,
20 Feb. 2026
-
Their team might need the firmer assessment that challenges pride and even embarrasses, then the next year's group might need a lighter touch.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
18 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Don't tail large vehicles closely - Trucks or buses can kick up a water spray that obstructs visibility.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
24 Feb. 2026
-
Mild-mannered ex-comptroller Brad Lander is going to court to try to shed some light on what actually goes on at 26 Federal Plaza (which his presence allegedly obstructed).—
Brendan O'Connor,
Curbed,
24 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The Detroit Pistons entered Thursday’s matchup at Madison Square Garden handicapped with both centers Jalen Duren and Isaiah Stewart serving suspensions for their brawl against the Charlotte Hornets before the All-Star break.—
Kristian Winfield,
New York Daily News,
20 Feb. 2026
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Don’t even try to handicap the Federal Reserve’s next move, and what will happen in a matter of months when the central bank gets a new leader.—
Zev Fima,
CNBC,
16 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Cramp.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cramp. Accessed 26 Feb. 2026.
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