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

When play resumed Ollie Gordon II, who left the game with cramps in the third quarter, returned to the field. — Miami Herald, 27 Sep. 2026

Symptoms from their bites include muscle cramps, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and more. — Rashad Alexander, Kansas City Star, 23 Sep. 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

Phrases Containing cramp

• cramp one's style