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
Gemini 11 command pilot Pete Conrad and pilot Dick Gordon spent three days orbiting the Earth in their cramped Gemini spacecraft. — Tariq Malik, Space.com, 14 Sep. 2026 The sleek, gold-colored coupé impressed with a futuristic design, but baffled onlookers with its cramped two-seat interior, lack of a charging port, and a dubious, far-too-good-to-be-true $30,000 price tag. — Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 10 Sep. 2026 Without a clear layout, combining dining, lounging, entertaining, and play areas into one open area can make the yard feel cramped and disorganized. — Rachel Silva, Martha Stewart, 15 Aug. 2026 In cramped, scorching-hot cells, the men sleep in their underwear to keep cool. — Syra Ortiz Blanes, Miami Herald, 18 July 2026 With its mid-size length and open interior, the Cedar Ridge manages to be towable without feeling too cramped inside. — Adam Williams july 17, New Atlas, 17 July 2026 Having too much low lighting makes your home look dark, which in turn can make your rooms feel cramped and even dull. — Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 11 July 2026 This midcentury-modern love seat has a small footprint for cramped spaces, and the top folds down to create a cushy, futon-like surface for sleeping. — Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 27 June 2026 The last two elephants, Billy and Tina, were transferred last year to the Tulsa Zoo after years of campaigning by animal rights advocates over cramped living conditions, health problems and the recent deaths of two other elephants. — Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2026
Verb
But the man simply stood there with a dazed expression on his face, swaying gently in the living room of their small, cramped flat, like a lone tree in the breeze. — Rachel Heng, New Yorker, 4 Oct. 2026 For a tiny home for two there is a lot going on, and yet the home feels unified, easy to navigate, and nowhere near cramped, regardless of the many fine antiques that decorate the space. — Camille Okhio, Architectural Digest, 2 Oct. 2026 The modifications made to the vehicle result in an interior that feels significantly roomier and now has actual cargo room, even if its rear row of seats is still cramped. — Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 28 Sep. 2026 This means that going a bit darker with the cabinets and countertops won’t make the space feel cramped. — Farima Ferguson, The Spruce, 25 Sep. 2026 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 The report describes cramped windowless housing units offering barely half the required living space, limited showers and recreation, and poor access to clean drinking water, hygiene supplies and legal materials. — Gisela Salomon, Los Angeles Times, 15 Sep. 2026 While the bZ offers a smooth ride and good battery range, some drivers may find the interior, particularly the headroom, to be cramped. — Keith Laing, USA Today, 15 Sep. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cramped
Adjective
  • That gave the team an additional visual reference during one of neurosurgery’s most confined operating environments.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 27 Aug. 2026
  • 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
Verb
  • The domestic economy is otherwise moribund, hampered by bad debts and a shrinking labor force.
    — RUCHIR SHARMA, Foreign Affairs, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Special teams miscues and penalties once again hampered the Rams in a game that featured three touchdown passes by Matthew Stafford and a career-best 17 catches by Puka Nacua.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 13 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • The collaboration centers on Muse Spark Open, the most capable open-weight model released under a license that allows for limited commercial use, according to Meta.
    — Kif Leswing,Jonathan Vanian, CNBC, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Departments with limited staffing may not have the resources to dedicate multiple investigators to tracking down a suspect vehicle.
    — Gino Vicci, CBS News, 15 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • The ongoing conflict that has driven people from their homes in Iran as well as an internet shutdown and a lack of full cooperation from the two governments partially impeded the team's efforts to get information.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 18 Sep. 2026
  • The ongoing conflict that has driven people from their homes in Iran as well as an internet shutdown and a lack of full cooperation from the two governments partially impeded the team’s efforts to get information.
    — Jamey Keaten, Los Angeles Times, 17 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Matas Buzelis showed improved urgency and efficiency in putting his head down to get to the rim, scoring 10 of his 14 points inside the restricted area.
    — Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 8 Oct. 2026
  • The airline does not allow travelers with pets to sit in exit rows, bulkhead seats, or other seats with restricted underseat storage.
    — Sarah Kuta, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Soldiers and family members have told The Associated Press of a failure to recognize the seriousness of injuries, a poor plan to get the wounded to hospitals and red tape that has hindered follow-up care.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Most of those still without power live in the Amazon, where isolation and high infrastructure costs have hindered electrification.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 6 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Despite steady attacks from Iran, oil tankers and other commercial vessels have continued flowing through the narrow waterway.
    — Jason Ma, Fortune, 10 Oct. 2026
  • Acton holds a narrow edge over Republican firebrand Vivek Ramaswamy, while Kaptur is contending with a tough reelection battle after Ohio Republicans redrew the boundaries of the longtime congresswoman’s district to pull in more GOP voters.
    — Mia Cathell, The Washington Examiner, 9 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • In the 2024 playoffs, Green Bay went into Dallas and embarrassed the Cowboys in a 48-32 rout.
    — Andy Scholes, CNN Money, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Philadelphia embarrassed itself in a non-competitive loss at Chicago on Monday night, unable to go drive-for-drive with journeyman quarterback Case Keenum, a 38-year-old backup’s backup.
    — Andy Behrens, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cramped.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cramped. Accessed 16 Oct. 2026.

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