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
Since May, at least 34 states have reported cases of cyclosporiasis, an infection that causes severe diarrhea, cramps, and flu-like symptoms. — Nikki McCann Ramirez, Rolling Stone, 16 July 2026 Symptoms include clammy skin, nausea, cramps, vomiting and headache. — Jaclyn Cosgrove, Los Angeles Times, 16 July 2026
Verb
The treatment for a cramp may vary depending on the root cause; for instance, if an athlete is cramping because they’re dehydrated, then the best remedy would be IV fluid or electrolyte water. — Chantelle Lee, Time, 26 June 2026 Electrolyte loss is why working out in the heat can cause cramping. — Sheah Rarback, Miami Herald, 25 June 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
  • After wild turkeys attacked an 83-year-old woman in May 2026, sending her to the emergency room for stitches, police warned residents of Alameda, California, to avoid interacting with the animals.
    — Elan Abrell, The Conversation, 22 July 2026
  • Morgan said cornerback Jaycee Horn, who was placed on the NFI list this week, had to get stitches on his toe.
    — Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 22 July 2026
Definition of stitch
Noun
  • Lack of trust and resistance from locals remain one of the biggest obstacles to containing the outbreak, according to authorities and health workers.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 23 July 2026
  • And while this author might be hung up on the obstacles Odysseus encounters, his travels are not without pleasure and thrill.
    — Harmeet Kaur, CNN Money, 23 July 2026
Definition of obstacle
Verb
  • Movie special effects studios are among the groups opposing the legislation over concerns that overly broad restrictions would impede their work.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 19 July 2026
  • The farmers said the smoke impedes their hay operation, as the haze blocks the sunlight necessary to dry the hay out.
    — The Baltimore Sun, Baltimore Sun, 17 July 2026
Definition of impede
Noun
  • However, Ars Technica has suggested that contractions in the Russian economy led to very recent changes in the country's laws for space advertising that could lead to more examples like this.
    — Elizabeth Howell, Space.com, 17 July 2026
  • But the contraction also follows one of the most extraordinary expansionary periods in the industry’s history.
    — Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 17 July 2026
Definition of contraction
Noun
  • Yet another hurdle is Chicago Parking Meters itself, which has threatened to sue the city if the council doesn’t approve the Stonepeak deal.
    — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 19 July 2026
  • For instance, non-invasive EEG systems generally capture weaker and noisier signals than implanted brain devices, making accuracy and reliability critical hurdles.
    — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 19 July 2026
Definition of hurdle
Verb
  • Lars Moravy, vice president of vehicle engineering, said Tesla has a good relationship with NHTSA and does not expect to be hindered by federal regulations.
    — Bloomberg, Mercury News, 23 July 2026
  • But while these challenges may be genuine, the slapdash execution of tariffs have only hindered American businesses.
    — Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Fortune, 22 July 2026
Definition of hinder
Noun
  • Tyler Glasnow is even further away from pitching in big-league games as his back spasms have kept him out for months.
    — Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 21 July 2026
  • The Dodgers’ starting pitching depth has buoyed them through injuries to Snell, Tyler Glasnow (back spasms) and now Ohtani.
    — Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 19 July 2026
Definition of spasm
Noun
  • By coach Cheryl Reeve’s standard, Saturday night’s match against the Portland Fire was a defensive embarrassment.
    — Anya Armentrout, Twin Cities, 19 July 2026
  • Was Trump, reportedly livid over the Air Force One leak, concerned about the risk to security—or about the prospect of personal embarrassment due to the failings of a questionable gift that had cost taxpayers tens of millions of dollars to upgrade?
    — Ruth Marcus, New Yorker, 18 July 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 25 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on cramp

Nglish: Translation of cramp for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cramp

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