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cramp 1 of 3

noun (1)

ˈkramp How to pronounce cramp (audio)
Definition of crampnext
as in stitch
a painful sudden tightening of a muscle I was suddenly awakened by a cramp in my leg

Synonyms & Similar Words

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cramp

2 of 3

noun (2)

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

cramp

3 of 3

verb

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 show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of cramp
Noun
Aside from Banks' injury, CB Brandon Cisse left with cramps late in the second half. — ABC News, 14 Sep. 2026 Common symptoms include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (which may be bloody) and vomiting. — Sarah Moore, Freep.com, 11 Sep. 2026
Verb
The challenge for any Bernabeu coach is providing enough collective organisation within the team without cramping the style or the egos of his biggest individual stars. — Dermot Corrigan, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026 The two bedroom, two bathroom suites are set up so a family of four can easily, and comfortably stay together while not feeling at all cramped. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for cramp
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cramp
  1. stitch
  2. obstacle
  3. impede
  4. contraction
  5. hurdle
  6. hinder
  7. spasm
  8. embarrassment
Noun
  • What is known is that the stitches that bound the pages came loose at some point and that the pages were left out when the book was mended.
    — Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 16 Sep. 2026
  • Hardy went to a hospital for stitches on a large cut on his chin.
    — Nathan Pilling, Kansas City Star, 16 Sep. 2026
Definition of stitch
Noun
  • The nano-container challenge The concept is promising, but sensitivity remains a major obstacle.
    — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 23 Sep. 2026
  • The Bolsonaro reaction Flávio Bolsonaro, by contrast, criticizes Brazilian democratic institutions – particularly the Supreme Court and the electoral system – as obstacles to restoring the country’s political order.
    — Andre Pagliarini, The Conversation, 22 Sep. 2026
Definition of obstacle
Verb
  • The ongoing conflict that has driven people from their homes in Iran as well as an internet shutdown and a lack of full cooperation from the two governments partially impeded the team's efforts to get information.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 18 Sep. 2026
  • The board’s original August notice alleged that visitors parked along private streets and could impede residents or emergency vehicles.
    — Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 17 Sep. 2026
Definition of impede
Noun
  • When a sensor detected movement in a rat’s front paw, another device was automatically activated to stimulate a hind-leg muscle, producing a contraction that mimicked part of the animal’s natural walking motion.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 25 Sep. 2026
  • The duo also translate the musical signals being emitted by the cosmic rift, realizing that a giant space baby is about to be born, and that the energy bursts bombarding both Enterprises are effectively contractions.
    — Richard Edwards, Space.com, 24 Sep. 2026
Definition of contraction
Noun
  • Propulsion presents another major hurdle, with researchers involved in the project highlighting the engine core, air intake, and exhaust system as key areas requiring further development.
    — Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 20 Sep. 2026
  • But bureaucratic hurdles, such as long customs checks, and infrastructure that wasn’t designed to handle so much volume have produced massive traffic jams.
    — Jason Ma, Fortune, 20 Sep. 2026
Definition of hurdle
Verb
  • Arrivals at the show were hindered by a combination of fans waiting to catch a glimpse of front-row guests like Monica Bellucci and Italian singer Jovanotti, and an anti-fur protest.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 24 Sep. 2026
  • Sandra Mayson, a law professor at the University of Pennsylvania who has researched the effects of pretrial detention, agreed that the move could hinder detainees’ ability to prepare their defense.
    — Reed Williams, AJC.com, 23 Sep. 2026
Definition of hinder
Noun
  • In 2022, Dion was diagnosed with stiff-person syndrome, a rare, debilitating progressive neurological disorder that causes muscle rigidity and spasms so violent Dion broke ribs.
    — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 15 Sep. 2026
  • After Tua Tagovailoa had back spasms in Thursday’s practice, Rush had little opportunity to get reps with the starters and to be ready for the game on short notice.
    — Rod Beard, AJC.com, 13 Sep. 2026
Definition of spasm
Noun
  • Even an Impractical Joker, after hundreds of public challenges and punishments designed to push the limits of embarrassment, could still tense up when a cellphone camera caught him experimenting with a new bit.
    — Antonio Ferme, Variety, 19 Sep. 2026
  • There was once an NFL team with an embarrassment of talent amassed on its roster.
    — Chris Branch, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of embarrassment

Phrases Containing cramp

Browse Nearby Words

cramming
cramp
cramped
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Cite this Entry

“Cramp.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cramp. Accessed 27 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on cramp

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cramp

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