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
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
Lauren O'Connor, Health, 2 Sep. 2025
Its weighted design comfortably drapes over your neck and shoulders, while a variety of heat settings provide soothing warmth to help ease cramps and stiffness in your back, legs and feet.
—Nora Colomer
May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 28 Aug. 2025
Jenny Wiegand, Outside, 27 Aug. 2025
Forget cramped hotel rooms and unpredictable Airbnbs.
—Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 24 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cramp
Noun
Potential side effects from oral or rectal mineral oil laxatives include anal itching, anal discharge, cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and nutrient imbalances.
—Lauren O'Connor, Health, 2 Sep. 2025
Its weighted design comfortably drapes over your neck and shoulders, while a variety of heat settings provide soothing warmth to help ease cramps and stiffness in your back, legs and feet.
—Nora Colomer
May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 28 Aug. 2025
Verb
Kids inevitably end up in your sleeping space, and having the extra room kept us from feeling completely cramped.
—Jenny Wiegand, Outside, 27 Aug. 2025
Forget cramped hotel rooms and unpredictable Airbnbs.
—Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 24 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cramp
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cramp
Verb
-
The Bundys and several others in the vehicles were arrested and charged with multiple federal crimes, including conspiracy to impede federal officers.—
Nicole Blanchard,
Idaho Statesman,
7 Sep. 2025
-
Let go of whatever impedes your growth.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
5 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Alternatively, overly conservative limits may hinder essential remediation measures.—
Perry Carpenter,
Forbes.com,
2 Sep. 2025
-
The deployment appeared to be the first time in decades that a state’s national guard was activated without a request from its governor, a significant escalation against those who have sought to hinder the administration’s mass deportation efforts.—
OLGA R. RODRIGUEZ,
Chicago Tribune,
2 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Currently, only 37% of the more than 5 million tons of trash generated in the county each year is recycled — and even that is hampered by a 40% contamination rate.—
Ashley Miznazi,
Miami Herald,
5 Sep. 2025
-
Maintain a safe distance from large vehicles - Trucks or buses can produce a water spray that hampers visibility.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
5 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
If that wasn’t embarrassing enough, then came an ugly post-game brawl that has gone viral on social media all over the world.—
Michelle Kaufman,
Miami Herald,
3 Sep. 2025
-
Ultimately, the Eagles embarrassed the Chiefs, shutting them out 24-0 in the first half, and captured a 40-22 win.—
Matthew Couden,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Don't tail large vehicles closely - Trucks or buses can kick up a water spray that obstructs visibility.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
5 Sep. 2025
-
Don't tail large vehicles closely - Trucks or buses can kick up a water spray that obstructs visibility.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
4 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
And now, the Spagnuolo scandal in the ANDIS agency for the handicapped.—
Agustino Fontevecchia,
Forbes.com,
28 Aug. 2025
-
Leadership is also said to be considering a 10-bill per member limit on bill introductions in the House ― down from the current 15-bill limit, which could disproportionately handicap Democrats in the superminority.—
Melissa Brown,
The Tennessean,
21 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Cramp.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cramp. Accessed 8 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share