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

People may also have unusually bad gas, stomach cramps and nausea. — Erika Edwards, NBC news, 10 July 2026

Bentley told the Tuscaloosa News that heat illness runs on a spectrum, starting with painful cramps in the calves, hamstrings or feet caused by dehydration and low electrolytes. — Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 9 July 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, 9 July 2026

Early signs include heavy sweating, muscle cramps and headache. — Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 8 July 2026

Early warning signs include heavy sweating, muscle cramps and a headache. — Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 8 July 2026

Symptoms can include hives or a skin rash, nausea, stomach cramps, indigestion, vomiting, and diarrhea, a stuffy or runny nose, sneezing, headaches, and asthma, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. — Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 7 July 2026

When heat index values rise above 103, changes start happening in the human body, which can lead to cramps and heat exhaustion. — Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 3 July 2026

Other signs include nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, loss of appetite and bloating. — Adam England, PEOPLE, 3 July 2026