as in contractions
a painful sudden tightening of a muscle
I was suddenly awakened by a cramp in my leg
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of cramps
Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 20 Feb. 2026
So even though the literature on the link between menstruation and cramps is limited, the peripheral benefits of the nutrient may still contribute to easier and less painful periods.
—Audrey Bruno, SELF, 19 Feb. 2026
Symptoms include blood in stool or rectal bleeding; changes in bowel habits such as diarrhea, constipation or narrowing of stool that lasts more than a few days; unintended weight loss; and cramps or abdominal pain.
—Lauran Neergaard, Los Angeles Times, 17 Feb. 2026
Injuries to the hamstring, quad and ankle, cramps and flu-like symptoms have been cited at various times as reasons for Peterson missing 11 games and being severely limited in the second halves of others.
—Joe Rexrode, New York Times, 14 Feb. 2026
Esparza said the symptoms that raise red flags include blood in stool or rectal bleeding; changes in bowel habits such as diarrhea, constipation or narrowing of stool that lasts more than a few days; unintended weight loss; and cramps or abdominal pain.
—CBS News, 13 Feb. 2026
Because warm water helps move waste products more easily, Harisadee says that drinking warm water can help with abdominal pain, such as period cramps, bloating, and any other forms of discomfort.
—Audrey Noble, Vogue, 7 Feb. 2026
According to Food Allergy Research & Education, allergic reactions to soy are typically mild and produce symptoms such as hives, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and itching, but reactions can be unpredictable.
—Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 6 Feb. 2026
Symptoms can include dehydration, bloody diarrhea and abdominal cramps.
—George Monastiriakos, Newsweek, 30 Dec. 2024
Noun
Before his illness, things seemed to be on the mend with his cramps.
—Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 20 Feb. 2026
So even though the literature on the link between menstruation and cramps is limited, the peripheral benefits of the nutrient may still contribute to easier and less painful periods.
—Audrey Bruno, SELF, 19 Feb. 2026
Symptoms include blood in stool or rectal bleeding; changes in bowel habits such as diarrhea, constipation or narrowing of stool that lasts more than a few days; unintended weight loss; and cramps or abdominal pain.
—Lauran Neergaard, Los Angeles Times, 17 Feb. 2026
Injuries to the hamstring, quad and ankle, cramps and flu-like symptoms have been cited at various times as reasons for Peterson missing 11 games and being severely limited in the second halves of others.
—Joe Rexrode, New York Times, 14 Feb. 2026
Esparza said the symptoms that raise red flags include blood in stool or rectal bleeding; changes in bowel habits such as diarrhea, constipation or narrowing of stool that lasts more than a few days; unintended weight loss; and cramps or abdominal pain.
—CBS News, 13 Feb. 2026
Because warm water helps move waste products more easily, Harisadee says that drinking warm water can help with abdominal pain, such as period cramps, bloating, and any other forms of discomfort.
—Audrey Noble, Vogue, 7 Feb. 2026
According to Food Allergy Research & Education, allergic reactions to soy are typically mild and produce symptoms such as hives, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and itching, but reactions can be unpredictable.
—Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 6 Feb. 2026
Symptoms can include dehydration, bloody diarrhea and abdominal cramps.
—George Monastiriakos, Newsweek, 30 Dec. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cramps
Verb
-
Afterward, Denver7 heard from Douglas County residents, including a Parker woman who feels the move hinders productive conversations around local issues and is merely a way for the commissioners to dodge criticism and accountability.—
thedenverchannel.com,
Denver Post,
5 Feb. 2026
-
Willis was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia (FTD) in 2023, which hinders his ability to communicate.—
Lexi Carson,
HollywoodReporter,
28 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Maintain a safe distance from large vehicles - Trucks or buses can produce a water spray that hampers visibility.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
18 Feb. 2026
-
The complaint argues that Harvard’s failure to provide records violates a material term of its federal financial assistance and hampers the government’s ability to complete its review.—
Claire Carter,
The Washington Examiner,
13 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Aid groups say the true war death toll could be many times higher, as the fighting in vast and remote areas impedes access.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
16 Feb. 2026
-
But the rulebook states a goal would be disallowed if an attacking player impedes the goalkeeper’s ability to move freely and defend the goal.—
Michael Russo,
New York Times,
10 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Maia and her boyfriend Dylan (Josh Hustcherson) are on the outs after Maia completely embarrasses herself at Dylan’s game night with his co-workers.—
Katie Campione,
Deadline,
21 Dec. 2025
-
There, the father of the bride gets too drunk and embarrasses himself.—
Randall Colburn,
Entertainment Weekly,
1 Dec. 2025
Verb
-
The San Diego Padres have a lot of money tied up in their star position players, which handicaps them in free agency.—
Zach Pressnell,
MSNBC Newsweek,
18 Nov. 2025
-
Rams 23, 49ers 20 Lock of the Week Much was made this week about the Bills failing to acquire a wide receiver at the trade deadline and whether that handicaps their Super Bowl chances.—
Parker Gabriel,
Denver Post,
8 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
This constitutes a blatant violation of international law and international humanitarian law, undermines the inalienable right of the Palestinian people to self-determination, and obstructs the establishment of their independent sovereign state .—
CBS News,
CBS News,
16 Feb. 2026
-
Don't tail large vehicles closely - Trucks or buses can kick up a water spray that obstructs visibility.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
16 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
This mistake not only holds up your travel plans, but also delays passengers behind you as TSA officers search through your carry-on.—
Jillian Dara,
Travel + Leisure,
15 Feb. 2026
-
Under state law, there is a 14-day pre-eviction notice required for nonpayment of rent, which delays the impact.—
Caroline Cummings,
CBS News,
14 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Cramps.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cramps. Accessed 22 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
