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
Symptoms can also include chills, nausea, stomach cramps and vomiting. — Mark Strassmann, CBS News, 10 Aug. 2026 The bacteria causes diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps in most people who are infected. — Eva Flowe august 10, Charlotte Observer, 10 Aug. 2026
Verb
Color, line, and texture all play important roles in making a small garden feel expansive and inviting or confining and cramped. — Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Aug. 2026 Arraez, who will likely be dealt to another team by Monday’s trade deadline, was removed before the bottom of the seventh inning of Friday’s 7-0 loss due to cramping as well. — Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 2 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
  • The shop soon garnered attention internationally for its leather bags handmade with the Selleria stitch used to make horse saddles.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 7 Aug. 2026
  • The four-hour surgery left him with just a few stitches and some bruising, but no issues with breathing, or seeing.
    — Stephanie Stahl, CBS News, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of stitch
Noun
  • When children are experiencing poor educational outcomes, at what point does opposition to an alternative become an obstacle to giving families another opportunity?
    — Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Kids today face tremendous obstacles, but perhaps because of the pandemic, many, like Keira, are well-rounded and involved in work, school, extracurricular activities and devoted to their friends and family.
    — Nicole Russell, USA Today, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of obstacle
Verb
  • Typically, PAs are putting in 60-hour workweeks, and their duties can include everything from running errands to cleaning up messes to managing the general public when filming takes place in a location and impedes foot or car traffic.
    — Nina Metz, Chicago Tribune, 7 Aug. 2026
  • The United States appears unwilling to accept any conditions that could impede transit.
    — , CNBC, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of impede
Noun
  • Then, as deregulation and contraction brought cost-cutting, more stations farmed out traffic coverage to the point that large numbers of radio stations get reports from people not even in their cities.
    — Doug Turnbull, AJC.com, 9 Aug. 2026
  • The public market has not yet been asked, and the one adjacent listing it was asked about, Circle, drew a Morgan Stanley downgrade on USDC contraction within a year of its euphoric debut.
    — Zennon Kapron, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of contraction
Noun
  • Prosecutors will have to overcome a few key hurdles in their case.
    — Eric Levenson, CNN Money, 9 Aug. 2026
  • With so many advancements underway, the biggest hurdle may be the federal Nuclear Waste Policy Act, which essentially bars any permanent nuclear waste disposal licensing outside of Yucca Mountain, a project that is now, again, essentially defunct.
    — Jordan Blum, Fortune, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of hurdle
Verb
  • Avoiding the storm-hindering winds would give it a better shot at becoming a tropical depression or storm.
    — Robin Webb, Sun Sentinel, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Picking the material and making a design that would not hinder the astronaut’s movements was another.
    — Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of hinder
Noun
  • With Tranquill out the past four days because of back spasms, Jack Cochrane has appeared to be the greatest beneficiary for the additional snaps.
    — Pete Sweeney, Kansas City Star, 8 Aug. 2026
  • Physical withdrawal symptoms can include muscle aches and spasms, gastrointestinal distress, including nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting, sweating and fever.
    — Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of spasm
Noun
  • For the Indian government, the scandal was seen by some a political embarrassment, triggering protests by the opposition.
    — Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 9 Aug. 2026
  • Amy Edmondson’s work on psychological safety has helped leaders understand why employees need to be able to raise concerns, admit mistakes, and ask questions without fear of punishment or embarrassment.
    — Brian Eason, Fortune, 9 Aug. 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 16 Aug. 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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