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
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 Coach Bill Self remained upbeat afterward despite starter Taylen Kinney being limited to just six second-half minutes because of cramps. — Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 21 Oct. 2026
Verb
Airlines in desperate search of profits are expanding roomy first- and business-class seating on flights while economy class continues to get more cramped. — Joel Mathis, TheWeek, 23 Sep. 2026 This week’s report includes several photos that show men in orange jumpsuits cramped in holding cells for more than 12 hours. — Claire Healy, Miami Herald, 16 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
  • Latest injury report KU sophomore Kohl Rosario needed 14 stitches after getting elbowed at practice Friday and did not attend the game.
    — Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 25 Oct. 2026
  • The Roger Clubhouse has more than initially meets the eye with its all-white colorway, as the laces feature a shaggy texture and two red stitch embellishments are added at the heel.
    — Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of stitch
Noun
  • Amazon Watch, a nonprofit focused on environmental protection and Indigenous rights, also welcomed Lula’s victory while warning of legislative obstacles.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Still, around 42% of marketers (linked in the Mediaocean research above) say that getting good quality data (or being able to access it) is a major obstacle, and only 10% have all their ad technology systems fully integrated.
    — Ivan Guzenko, Forbes.com, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of obstacle
Verb
  • Schwank also took issue with ICE’s characterization that Moreida was standing in the middle of an active road and impeding law enforcement’s actions.
    — Eduardo Cuevas, CNN Money, 25 Oct. 2026
  • Federal officials argue that California’s refusal to review the federal list or set aside the associated ballots impedes enforcement.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of impede
Noun
  • Piezoelectric generators are particularly attractive for implants because the body is constantly moving, from the expansion and contraction of the lungs to the rhythmic beating of the heart.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 23 Oct. 2026
  • The method, called contraction-aware reinforcement learning, is designed for robots with different forms of movement, including wheeled, flying, and six-legged platforms.
    — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of contraction
Noun
  • That's good news for home shoppers, but may not be enough to overcome the affordability hurdles keeping many prospective homebuyers out of the market.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 26 Oct. 2026
  • On Wednesday, the Republican House speaker acknowledged his party’s hurdles while stumping for congressional candidate Kevin Lincoln in Stockton in the Central Valley.
    — Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of hurdle
Verb
  • Plus, there’s silica to softly blur the look of pores and texture without hindering your glow.
    — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 28 Oct. 2026
  • If pursued judiciously, this emphasis on security will not hinder cooperation between the United States and its allies but rather strengthen it.
    — Sam Mullins, Foreign Affairs, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of hinder
Noun
  • Washington will need to help both Europe and Russia contain their use of coercion before the security dilemma locks them into a dangerous escalatory spasm.
    — Dmitry Adamsky, Foreign Affairs, 21 Oct. 2026
  • Sensitivity to noise, touch and emotional distress can set off muscle spasms, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.
    — Andrea Flores, Los Angeles Times, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of spasm
Noun
  • Also, keep extra toilet paper visible, your hand soap full and some air freshener on the counter, so everyone can use the bathroom without embarrassment or disgust.
    — Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 26 Oct. 2026
  • The league is a farce and an embarrassment to our country, not thier country.
    — Joe Kinsey OutKick, FOXNews.com, 20 Oct. 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 1 Nov. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on cramp

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cramp

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