as in contractions
a painful sudden tightening of a muscle
I was suddenly awakened by a cramp in my leg
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of cramps
Nami Mun, The Atlantic, 16 May 2026
Menstrual cramps occur when the myometrium contracts to expel the uterine lining.
—Geri Stengel, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026
The release stated that symptoms in humans could include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever, while severe cases may lead to arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, or urinary tract symptoms.
—Gabrielle Rockson, PEOPLE, 13 May 2026
In some cases, people can experience heat exhaustion and have muscle cramps, nausea, weakness and cold or clammy skin, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
—Hali Smith, Idaho Statesman, 13 May 2026
The most common symptoms are diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps, according to the CDC.
—Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 12 May 2026
The Star spoke to former KU guard Elmarko Jackson about Peterson’s full-body cramps at the NCAA Tournament.
—Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 8 May 2026
Ian Fray, who left the game with leg cramps, has been undergoing treatment for leg discomfort and did not train Friday.
—Michelle Kaufman
may 8, Miami Herald, 8 May 2026
Greek Yogurt Greek yogurt is an effective food for relieving muscle cramps.
—Oluseun Olufade, Verywell Health, 8 May 2026
Noun
To complain about cramps was futile.
—Nami Mun, The Atlantic, 16 May 2026
Menstrual cramps occur when the myometrium contracts to expel the uterine lining.
—Geri Stengel, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026
The release stated that symptoms in humans could include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever, while severe cases may lead to arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, or urinary tract symptoms.
—Gabrielle Rockson, PEOPLE, 13 May 2026
In some cases, people can experience heat exhaustion and have muscle cramps, nausea, weakness and cold or clammy skin, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
—Hali Smith, Idaho Statesman, 13 May 2026
The most common symptoms are diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps, according to the CDC.
—Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 12 May 2026
The Star spoke to former KU guard Elmarko Jackson about Peterson’s full-body cramps at the NCAA Tournament.
—Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 8 May 2026
Ian Fray, who left the game with leg cramps, has been undergoing treatment for leg discomfort and did not train Friday.
—Michelle Kaufman
may 8, Miami Herald, 8 May 2026
Greek Yogurt Greek yogurt is an effective food for relieving muscle cramps.
—Oluseun Olufade, Verywell Health, 8 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cramps
Noun
-
The finale is leading to a big convention showdown between Hypergnosis and PINATA, which are each working through obstacles that any responsible company would iron out before going public with their product.—
Scott Tobias,
Vulture,
17 May 2026
-
The incidents involving contact with chains, trailer hitches, poles, and curbs indicate recurring limitations in detecting smaller or irregular obstacles, especially during reversing maneuvers.—
Bojan Stojkovski,
Interesting Engineering,
16 May 2026
Verb
-
This imbalance hinders some of the phrasing's sweetness in the vocal harmony.—
Mark Knapp,
PC Magazine,
8 May 2026
-
Vast terrain hinders search The immediate area in Stewart County where the search is currently contained is covered with big trees and steep hills, as well as snakes and ticks, according to the sheriff.—
Emma Tucker,
CNN Money,
6 May 2026
Noun
-
Bebe Rexha was hit in the face with a cellphone, resulting in a man getting arrested and the singer getting stitches.—
Emily St. Martin,
Los Angeles Times,
14 May 2026
-
Back in 2023, Bebe Rexha was struck by a phone at a New York City concert and had to get stitches.—
Ilana Kaplan,
PEOPLE,
13 May 2026
Noun
-
By creating an antibiotic-free fermentation system, the researchers believe the platform could face fewer regulatory hurdles in future industrial applications.—
Sujita Sinha,
Interesting Engineering,
20 May 2026
-
The bill needed strong backing in the House, as it was passed under suspension, which requires a two-thirds majority vote and sidesteps certain procedural hurdles.—
Claire Carter,
The Washington Examiner,
20 May 2026
Verb
-
Over time, this erodes trust, hampers innovation and increases attrition.—
Kapil Jain,
Forbes.com,
20 May 2026
-
Maintain a safe distance from large vehicles - Trucks or buses can produce a water spray that hampers visibility.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
20 May 2026
Noun
-
This comes nine days after Tyler Glasnow exited the first inning of a start in Houston due to back spasms that will cost him more than the minimum 15 days on the IL.—
Fabian Ardaya,
New York Times,
16 May 2026
-
Hart entered the season with a splint in his right ring finger, sustained back spasms in the Abu Dhabi preseason opener against the 76ers then had another lower back injury this season.—
Kristian Winfield,
New York Daily News,
8 May 2026
Noun
-
The professional embarrassments even take place at the level of state supreme courts.—
Martin Kaste,
NPR,
3 Apr. 2026
-
That’s not only because judges are fining more lawyers for their laziness, but because the publicity about these embarrassments has been inescapable.—
Business Columnist,
Los Angeles Times,
27 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
State and federal agencies don’t track data around vitamin K injection refusal or subsequent bleeding, which impedes their ability to quantify and track outcomes, including death.—
Duaa Eldeib,
CNN Money,
8 May 2026
-
Let go of whatever impedes your progress.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
8 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Cramps.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cramps. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
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