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

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

People infected with salmonella bacteria often have diarrhea, stomach cramps and a fever that comes on within hours to a few days after having eaten tainted food. — Erika Edwards, NBC news, 19 Aug. 2026

The bacteria can cause flu-like symptoms such as fever, vomiting, stomach cramps and diarrhea. — Cara Lynn Shultz, PEOPLE, 19 Aug. 2026

Bananas contain potassium, which can help prevent muscle cramps that keep you up at night. — Carley Millhone, HEALTH, 14 Aug. 2026

Salmonella infection could result in diarrhea, nausea, headache and stomach cramps. — Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 11 Aug. 2026

The parasite Cyclospora causes an intestinal illness with symptoms like diarrhea, cramps, and fatigue. — Tiffany Acosta, AZCentral.com, 11 Aug. 2026

With heat exhaustion, a person's body temperature may top 101 degrees Fahrenheit, along with symptoms like heavy sweating; cold, pale, clammy skin; tiredness or weakness; muscle cramps; dizziness; nausea or vomiting, and more. — Michael Autovino, CBS News, 10 Aug. 2026

Salmonella is a foodborne illness that can cause stomach cramps, diarrhea and vomiting, per the CDC. — Melina Khan, USA Today, 10 Aug. 2026