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
• handmaids
• 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
• smoothes
• encourages
• promotes
• unplugs
• furthers

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of cramps

Noun

The most common symptoms are diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps, according to the CDC. —Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2025

Symptoms of foodborne illnesses include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain and cramps and fever, according to the CDC. —Kimberlee Speakman, PEOPLE, 10 Sep. 2025

Without preparation, the shift in how their muscles will be used may lead to premature fatigue and cramps during competition. —Michael Hales, The Conversation, 9 Sep. 2025

Symptoms of nicotine poisoning can include abdominal cramps, confusion, seizures, loss of consciousness, headache and vomiting. —Jacqueline Howard, CNN Money, 5 Sep. 2025

Only minor side effects were reported, like mildly upset stomachs and muscle cramps. —Matt Fuchs, Time, 2 Sep. 2025

Potential side effects from oral or rectal mineral oil laxatives include anal itching, anal discharge, cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and nutrient imbalances. —Lauren O'Connor, Health, 2 Sep. 2025

Symptoms can include dehydration, bloody diarrhea and abdominal cramps. —George Monastiriakos, Newsweek, 30 Dec. 2024

People infected with salmonella typically experience symptoms such as diarrhea, fever, abdominal cramps and vomiting, usually within six hours to six days after exposure. —Marley Malenfant, Austin American-Statesman, 30 Dec. 2024