cramped 1 of 2

cramped

2 of 2

verb

past tense of cramp

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 cramped
Adjective
Water is a constant threat The men became trapped during an expedition to find gold within the cramped and muddy underground caverns. Kocha Olarn, CNN Money, 1 June 2026 My cargo capri pants have a flexible waistband for easy sitting in cramped plane seats, while my breezy jumpsuit is a one-and-done casual outfit. Sian Babish, PEOPLE, 29 May 2026 The trial kicked off April 8 in a cramped second-story courtroom in Burbank. Los Angeles Times, 7 May 2026 Thirty minutes before the start of the Gaston County Schools board meeting, attendees already spilled out of the boardroom and into the cramped hallway. Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 21 Apr. 2026 An intense paint color can also make an often small space, such as a bathroom, feel even more cramped and humid. Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Apr. 2026 The dynamic keeps the film from ever feeling too cramped or quiet, and the characters from ever being held at too far a remove. David Sims, The Atlantic, 10 Apr. 2026 The defendants’ family members jockeyed for spots in the cramped space. Rachel Monroe, New Yorker, 26 Mar. 2026 This summer, Dallas must better balance its roster around Flagg so he won’t be asked to maneuver on such a cramped floor again. Christian Clark, New York Times, 18 Mar. 2026
Verb
Just be aware that the Miata’s cabin will feel cramped for tall drivers. ABC News, 10 June 2026 Smart layouts maximize limited space, making small patios feel cozy without feeling cramped. Tessa Cooper, The Spruce, 8 June 2026 At a little under 90 minutes, the film also feels cramped. David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 6 June 2026 Synthetic fabrics can feel sticky and uncomfortable on long travel days, while breathable, natural fibers tend to wear better in cramped cabins and changing temperatures. Jill Robbins, Travel + Leisure, 28 May 2026 Failing to Declutter First Trying to overhaul your current storage system while the garage is cramped with clutter (which also minimizes the value of your home) is unproductive. Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 May 2026 Baresi had cramped up in the latter stages, but still led by example. James Horncastle, New York Times, 27 May 2026 The cells were frequently cramped, dark, unventilated, and damp. Amer Matar, The Dial, 26 May 2026 This has really cramped Amerisafe’s special distribution. Brett Owens, Forbes.com, 23 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cramped
Adjective
  • Sewers can contain numerous hazards, including noxious and potentially deadly gases, unstable surfaces, flooding risks, and confined spaces.
    Brie Stimson, FOXNews.com, 31 May 2026
  • Darker colors like charcoal or slate gray absorb light and can make a kitchen feel more confined.
    Shagun Khare, The Spruce, 24 May 2026
Verb
  • In roughly half of the cases, dead foundation species hampered the ability of their living counterparts to reestablish, grow and survive after extreme events.
    John Kominoski, The Conversation, 10 June 2026
  • Trump has often alleged rampant voter fraud that has hampered Republicans’ success, and his base has largely accepted these sentiments to be true, despite no evidence backing up his accusations.
    Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Daily News, 9 June 2026
Adjective
  • Steep price drops on the prospect of peace have pushed many oil bulls to the sidelines, leaving them to hold small positions for very limited periods of time, several traders said.
    Devika Krishna Kumar, Fortune, 6 June 2026
  • Andrew Mahaleris, a spokesperson for Abbott, said Canada was overreacting as Texas and USDA are moving quickly to contain and eradicate screwworm in a limited area of South Texas.
    Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 6 June 2026
Verb
  • Macy’s was notorious in its industry for how siloed its teams and culture were, characteristics that impeded prior turnaround efforts until Spring, CEO since 2024, instilled a culture of self-examination and an ability to admit mistakes before quickly moving on.
    Phil Wahba, Fortune, 2 June 2026
  • Aid workers have also told CNN that the dismantling of the US Agency for International Development (USAID) and US funding cuts carried out prior to the outbreak have impeded the response.
    Erikas Mwisi, CNN Money, 24 May 2026
Adjective
  • Drone operators who violate the restricted space face criminal penalties.
    Andrew Greif, NBC news, 12 June 2026
  • The deal will also save the Panthers from placing a restricted tender on Coker in 2027.
    Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 12 June 2026
Verb
  • Gansey is already at work as Philadelphia's latest president of basketball operations, trying to find ways to raise the team to a championship level, while deeply hindered by near-untradeable, unwanted contracts tied to aging and unreliable Joel Embiid and Paul George.
    CBS News, CBS News, 8 June 2026
  • Injuries have hindered the 27-year-old Frasso’s development.
    Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 7 June 2026
Adjective
  • Natalie Neysa Alund The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow 100-mile-long waterway in the Middle East and has been a point of key contention during the course of the war.
    Bart Jansen, USA Today, 13 June 2026
  • According to the home’s actual dimensions, the doorway (which didn’t exist when the family moved in) should dead-end to an external wall; instead, when Navidson opens the door, there’s a narrow hallway nearly ten feet long inside.
    Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 12 June 2026
Verb
  • But Americans don’t want to see the home team embarrassed.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 7 June 2026
  • Some fans weighed in on his outfit choice on social media, sparking conversations about if the actor might have embarrassed his wife.
    Juliana Ukiomogbe, InStyle, 27 May 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cramped.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cramped. Accessed 13 Jun. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on cramped

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster