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
• constrains
• disrupts
• ties up
• manacles
• curbs
• cramps one's style
• brakes
• frustrates
• gives a hard time
• reins
• ties
• retards
• thwarts
• chains
• stifles
• holds up
• balks
• checks
• roadblocks
• leashes
• binds
• arrests
• blockades
• strangles
• chokes
• bogs (down)
• 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

Symptoms include tingling, numbness, muscle weakness, balance issues and muscle cramps. — Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 25 July 2026

The non-opioid tablet can be used by adults and children aged 12 and ​older for temporary relief of headaches, back pain, muscle aches, toothache, menstrual cramps and minor pain from arthritis, the FDA said. — Ken Alltucker, USA Today, 24 July 2026

Gastrointestinal illnesses caused by bacteria, viruses or parasites commonly trigger nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and stomach cramps, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). — Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 19 July 2026

Cyclosporiasis has been sickening thousands of people across the country, particularly in Michigan, recently with an intestinal illness causing explosive diarrhea with severe stomach cramps, bloating, nausea, fatigue, and unintended weight loss. — Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 18 July 2026

As body temperature rises and humidity limits the body’s ability to cool itself, mild symptoms such as cramps and headaches can progress to shortness of breath, dizziness, confusion, nausea, and ultimately life-threatening heat stroke. — Laura Schifter, Time, 17 July 2026

As for the most recent outbreak on the ship, 18 of the 62 passengers on board were sickened with symptoms of vomiting and abdominal cramps, according to the report. — Natalia Senanayake, PEOPLE, 17 July 2026

Since May, at least 34 states have reported cases of cyclosporiasis, an infection that causes severe diarrhea, cramps, and flu-like symptoms. — Nikki McCann Ramirez, Rolling Stone, 16 July 2026

Symptoms include clammy skin, nausea, cramps, vomiting and headache. — Jaclyn Cosgrove, Los Angeles Times, 16 July 2026