Synonyms of cramp

cramp 1 of 3

noun (1)

ˈkramp 

as in stitch

a painful sudden tightening of a muscle

I was suddenly awakened by a cramp in my leg

Synonyms & Similar Words

• stitch
• contraction
• spasm
• kink
• twitch
• crick
• pang
• jerk
• twinge
• charley horse

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

• obstacle
• hurdle
• embarrassment
• obstruction
• interference
• barrier
• let
• hindrance
• inhibition
• handicap
• stop
• impediment
• burden
• encumbrance
• block
• shackles
• constraint
• chain
• clog
• deterrent
• stumbling block
• load
• crimp
• balk
• drag
• manacle
• brake
• trammel
• delay
• hitch
• fetter
• blockade
• bar
• rub
• blockage
• danger
• rein
• curb
• disadvantage
• catch
• stoppage
• arrest
• restraint
• hobble
• stone wall
• difficulty
• holdback
• hazard
• embargo
• brick wall
• stall
• snag
• bit
• hardship
• drawback
• reef
• peril
• holdup
• check
• adversity
• cumber

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• incentive
• stimulus
• spur
• impetus
• advantage
• catalyst
• break
• edge
• stimulant
• assistance
• aid
• benefit
• help
• goad
• boost
• handmaiden

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

• impede
• hinder
• hamper
• embarrass
• obstruct
• handicap
• inhibit
• delay
• hobble
• block
• clog
• stymie
• restrain
• tie up
• interfere (with)
• fetter
• shackle
• encumber
• disrupt
• handcuff
• hold back
• constrain
• trammel
• hog-tie
• short-circuit
• manacle
• frustrate
• thwart
• stifle
• tie
• rein
• curb
• brake
• cramp one's style
• bind
• balk
• hold up
• retard
• give a hard time
• check
• choke
• strangle
• retain
• tether
• arrest
• blockade
• leash
• barricade
• confine
• suffocate
• bog (down)
• chain
• baffle
• sabotage
• derail
• roadblock
• smother
• halter
• foil
• mire
• stump
• muzzle
• repress
• hem (in)
• hedge (in)
• suppress

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• help
• assist
• aid
• facilitate
• open
• make way
• liberate
• free
• clear
• loosen
• release
• unstop
• unclog
• unplug
• smooth
• promote
• encourage
• untie
• further

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of cramp

Noun

The most common symptoms include fever, diarrhea and abdominal cramps. — Renee Anderson, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026

Over 500 people in South Africa have fallen ill from a gastrointestinal illness that causes stomach cramps and diarrhea, which authorities are blaming on poor water quality in two different cities in the country. — ABC News, 21 Oct. 2026

Verb

The modifications made to the vehicle result in an interior that feels significantly roomier and now has actual cargo room, even if its rear row of seats is still cramped. — Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 28 Sep. 2026

This means that going a bit darker with the cabinets and countertops won’t make the space feel cramped. — Farima Ferguson, The Spruce, 25 Sep. 2026

Phrases Containing cramp

• cramp one's style