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

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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
Edgewater defensive tackle Wes Hendry walks off the field with cramps. — Buddy Collings, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Aug. 2026 Signs of heat exhaustion that parents should look for include heavy sweating, weakness or fainting, cold or pale skin and muscle cramps. — Lina Ruiz, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Aug. 2026
Verb
There’s also more room around the toes, so your feet won’t feel cramped as the day goes on. — Toni Sutton, PEOPLE, 30 Aug. 2026 The reality of moving furniture in and out or listing the items cramping your space for resale can quickly take the fun out. — The Spruce, 29 Aug. 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
  • That same year, deputies severely beat Joseph Perez on a San Gabriel Valley street, leaving him in need of 30 stitches and staples in his face and head.
    — Connor Sheets, Los Angeles Times, 7 Sep. 2026
  • Utilizing micro stitches made of plastic, Stitchy offers a convenient solution for quick fixes without the need for traditional sewing.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of stitch
Noun
  • The report released by the NBA’s investigators at the law firm of Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz portrays Ballmer and the team as treating the league’s salary cap rules not as strict mandates, but as obstacles to be evaded, like traffic cones.
    — Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 10 Sep. 2026
  • Around 32% of previous cohorts are now hiring or championing others for more senior roles, with 68% of alums citing access to decision makers is the single biggest obstacle to career progression.
    — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of obstacle
Verb
  • But what if the longer wavelengths of the embers could both extend the hours of socializing without heavily impeding our sleep cycle?
    — Mike McRae September 02, New Atlas, 3 Sep. 2026
  • In June, a top story was the arrest of fifteen Minnesotans who were charged with federal crimes, including conspiracy to impede or injure federal officers in connection with a March 1st protest outside of ICE’s Minnesota headquarters.
    — Emily Witt, New Yorker, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of impede
Noun
  • That’s where cognition becomes impaired, muscle contraction becomes impaired, and metabolism actually slows.
    — Patrick Iversen, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026
  • Such optimism had for years been hard to find in a Hollywood ravaged by the pandemic, wildfires, labor strife, contraction and technological upheaval.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of contraction
Noun
  • Earlier models relied on broad hydrological assumptions and missed practical engineering hurdles.
    — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 6 Sep. 2026
  • At that moment Benson was tempted to use his vertical leap of more than 40 inches to simply glide over him like going over hurdles in a 110-meter race.
    — Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 6 Sep. 2026
Definition of hurdle
Verb
  • At worst, his weaknesses prove disruptive to the lineup in his minutes or hinder the development of the others.
    — Joel Lorenzi, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Internalizing the middle Cross-border shopping has traditionally carried friction for consumers that could have otherwise hindered their ability to purchase from international retailers.
    — Karen Koehler, Miami Herald, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of hinder
Noun
  • Coronary Artery Spasm — Also more common in women, coronary artery spasm is caused by an artery tightening, which cuts off oxygen and blood flowing into the heart muscle.
    — Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 8 Sep. 2026
  • Will Smith is set to rejoin the Dodgers after being sidelined since early June with neck spasms.
    — Katie Woo, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of spasm
Noun
  • Just not being an embarrassment will go a long way for Giants fans.
    — Adam Coleman, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026
  • Meanwhile, a major reboot out of Canton as Hall of Fame reduces its voting body from 50 to 25 in wake of last year’s embarrassment when all-time Super Bowl-winning coach Bill Belichick stunningly did not get in on first ballot.
    — Greg Cote September 6, Miami Herald, 6 Sep. 2026
Definition of embarrassment

Phrases Containing cramp

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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 13 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on cramp

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cramp

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