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
• ties up
• constrains
• disrupts
• manacles
• curbs
• cramps one's style
• brakes
• gives a hard time
• reins
• frustrates
• ties
• retards
• thwarts
• chains
• stifles
• holds up
• balks
• checks
• roadblocks
• leashes
• arrests
• binds
• blockades
• strangles
• bogs (down)
• chokes
• 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 from their bites include muscle cramps, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and more. — Rashad Alexander, Kansas City Star, 23 Sep. 2026

Each knife has an ergonomic grip to minimize cramps—especially valuable in long sessions of prepping mirepoix for your favorite fall soup recipe. — Abigail Wilt, Southern Living, 22 Sep. 2026

Key Takeaways Staying hydrated and getting enough electrolytes—including potassium, magnesium, calcium, and sodium—may help prevent muscle cramps. — Oluseun Olufade, Verywell Health, 17 Sep. 2026

Symptoms of a Salmonella infection can begin six hours to six days after exposure and include diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps. — Amber Brenza, HEALTH, 15 Sep. 2026

McCaffrey dealt with cramps in the first half and finished with 10 carries for 68 yards, while the rookie Black showed his thirst for contact and speed with 14 carries for 65 yards. — Vic Tafur, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026

Aside from Banks' injury, CB Brandon Cisse left with cramps late in the second half. — ABC News, 14 Sep. 2026

Common symptoms include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (which may be bloody) and vomiting. — Sarah Moore, Freep.com, 11 Sep. 2026

Ginger is also believed to work just as well as ibuprofen and other pain medications to relieve menstrual cramps. — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 8 Sep. 2026