as in stitch
a painful sudden tightening of a muscle
I was suddenly awakened by a cramp in my leg
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
as in obstacle
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 to impede
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
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Recent Examples of cramp
Madison Dapcevich, Outside, 31 Oct. 2025
There was a real question how the impact of him being on base nine times and the accompanying leg cramps that plagued him late in extra innings would affect his stamina less than 24 hours later.
—Barry M. Bloom, Sportico.com, 29 Oct. 2025
Laura Schulte, jsonline.com, 30 Oct. 2025
The arrangement was only supposed to last four to five months, but they were all cramped together in a one-bedroom apartment.
—Jordan Greene, PEOPLE, 28 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cramp
Noun
When bitten by the southern black widow, the spider’s venom attacks the nerve endings in muscles that can cause severe pain and muscle cramps at the source of the bite, which can then spread throughout the body.
—Madison Dapcevich, Outside, 31 Oct. 2025
There was a real question how the impact of him being on base nine times and the accompanying leg cramps that plagued him late in extra innings would affect his stamina less than 24 hours later.
—Barry M. Bloom, Sportico.com, 29 Oct. 2025
Verb
Court documents alleged unclean conditions, painful procedures without proper medication, and cramped living quarters for the animals.
—Laura Schulte, jsonline.com, 30 Oct. 2025
The arrangement was only supposed to last four to five months, but they were all cramped together in a one-bedroom apartment.
—Jordan Greene, PEOPLE, 28 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cramp
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cramp
Verb
-
Yet the current administration’s dismissive stance toward mRNA science, particularly COVID vaccines, could impede that effort.—
Lisa Jarvis,
Twin Cities,
8 Nov. 2025
-
New data shows Loop vacancies ballooned over the recent third quarter as post-pandemic work trends continue to impact and impede demand.—
Center Square,
The Washington Examiner,
8 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Yet, challenges such as battery weight, regulation, safety, and scalability still hinder most projects.—
Kaif Shaikh,
Interesting Engineering,
4 Nov. 2025
-
Did the leaks hinder your creative approach to making music?—
Mackenzie Cummings-Grady,
Billboard,
4 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Damage to the blood-brain barrier leads to inflammation within the brain and hampers the clearance of waste products like beta-amyloid protein (seen in Alzheimer's disease).—
Colleen Doherty,
Verywell Health,
6 Nov. 2025
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All of these issues combined have left Target with a workforce that has grown faster than sales and a complex corporate structure that has hampered decision-making and created needless red tape.—
Gabrielle Fonrouge,Annie Palmer,Frank Holland,
CNBC,
4 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Kardashian doesn’t embarrass herself, because her role doesn’t ask much of her to begin with.—
Alison Herman,
Variety,
4 Nov. 2025
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Still, the former University of Miami standout did not want to be dealt, even publicly stating that just hours after the Dolphins’ embarrassing 28-6 loss to the Baltimore Ravens on Thursday.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
3 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Milwaukee County Judge Hannah Dugan is facing federal charges for allegedly obstructing agents trying to arrest an undocumented immigrant.—
John Diedrich,
jsonline.com,
6 Nov. 2025
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But the detectives thought there was evidence to support a charge for obstructing an officer—a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to nine months in jail—because Ryan had planted physical evidence meant to mislead them.—
Jamie Thompson,
The Atlantic,
6 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
The starting price moved upwards over the years, broaching $50,000 by 1994, but the car was so impressive that the hikes didn’t handicap it; Lexus still moved more than 165,000 copies over the first gen’s five-year run.—
Will Sabel Courtney,
Robb Report,
30 Oct. 2025
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Also, of course, I am handicapped by knowing that this couldn’t be printed in the foreseeable future, and by the fact that contemplation of this material has become painful.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
21 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Cramp.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cramp. Accessed 11 Nov. 2025.
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