Synonyms of cramps

cramps 1 of 3

noun (1)

plural of cramp

as in contractions

a painful sudden tightening of a muscle

I was suddenly awakened by a cramp in my leg

Synonyms & Similar Words

• contractions
• stitches
• spasms
• kinks
• pangs
• twitches
• cricks
• jerks
• twinges
• charley horses

cramps

2 of 3

noun (2)

plural of cramp

as in obstacles

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

• obstacles
• hurdles
• embarrassments
• obstructions
• barriers
• interferences
• burdens
• impediments
• hindrances
• handicaps
• constraints
• inhibitions
• shackles
• clogs
• stops
• encumbrances
• manacles
• blocks
• lets
• chains
• stumbling blocks
• loads
• fetters
• hitches
• deterrents
• trammels
• delays
• brakes
• restraints
• balks
• crimps
• stoppages
• bars
• snags
• dangers
• blockages
• curbs
• difficulties
• disadvantages
• stone walls
• blockades
• rubs
• holdbacks
• reins
• hazards
• brick walls
• hardships
• drags
• arrests
• catches
• embargoes
• stalls
• holdups
• perils
• hobbles
• drawbacks
• reefs
• adversities
• checks
• cumbers
• bits

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• stimulants
• stimuli
• spurs
• incentives
• catalysts
• advantages
• edges
• breaks
• benefits
• aids
• impetuses
• help
• goads
• assistances
• boosts
• handmaidens

cramps

3 of 3

verb

present tense third-person singular of cramp

as in hinders

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

• hinders
• hampers
• impedes
• embarrasses
• handicaps
• obstructs
• delays
• blocks
• inhibits
• interferes (with)
• clogs
• short-circuits
• fetters
• stymies
• shackles
• hobbles
• holds back
• trammels
• handcuffs
• restrains
• encumbers
• hog-ties
• ties up
• constrains
• disrupts
• manacles
• curbs
• cramps one's style
• brakes
• gives a hard time
• reins
• frustrates
• ties
• retards
• thwarts
• chains
• stifles
• holds up
• balks
• checks
• roadblocks
• leashes
• arrests
• binds
• blockades
• strangles
• bogs (down)
• chokes
• tethers
• halters
• barricades
• baffles
• retains
• stumps
• confines
• foils
• suffocates
• sabotages
• derails
• smothers
• mires
• represses
• muzzles
• hems (in)
• hedges (in)
• suppresses

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• helps
• aids
• assists
• facilitates
• opens
• frees
• clears
• releases
• unstops
• liberates
• unties
• unclogs
• loosens
• makes way
• smooths
• encourages
• promotes
• unplugs
• furthers

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of cramps

Noun

Salmonella infection can cause diarrhea, fever, stomach cramps, nausea and vomiting, according to the CDC. — Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026

Edgewater defensive tackle Wes Hendry walks off the field with cramps. — Buddy Collings, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Aug. 2026

Signs of heat exhaustion that parents should look for include heavy sweating, weakness or fainting, cold or pale skin and muscle cramps. — Lina Ruiz, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Aug. 2026

Life advice Pregnancy can sometimes come with physical discomfort, such as hemorrhoids and leg cramps, as the body grows and changes. — Brittney Melton, NPR, 24 Aug. 2026

The condition is known to be painful, especially in the pelvic area, and often causes intense cramps and lower back and stomach pain. — Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 24 Aug. 2026

Small pilot studies have tested transdermal magnesium for specific conditions like fibromyalgia and peripheral neuropathy, but no large trials have confirmed the sprays reduce ordinary muscle cramps. — Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 21 Aug. 2026

Salmonella causes diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps in most people infected. — Eva Flowe august 21, Charlotte Observer, 21 Aug. 2026

Salmonella poisoning can cause diarrhea, fever, severe vomiting, dehydration and stomach cramps. — ABC News, 20 Aug. 2026