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
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 cramp
Julia Ries, Health, 17 June 2025
People who have diarrhea, vomiting and stomach cramps should not prepare food.
—Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 13 June 2025
Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 30 May 2025
Parker Hall The Best Ergonomic Mouse to Keep Wrist Strain at Bay
Wrists cramping?
—Simon Hill, Wired News, 13 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for cramp
Noun
Perhaps the most common is Giardia, which can cause giardiasis, a gastrointestinal disease that triggers diarrhea, stomach cramps, bloating, and gas.
—Julia Ries, Health, 17 June 2025
People who have diarrhea, vomiting and stomach cramps should not prepare food.
—Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 13 June 2025
Verb
On the other hand, casting directors think of themselves as actors’ advocates, and Zoom has cramped their ability to give notes in real time — there’s just not as much opportunity to offer feedback to thousands of performers before they’re rejected.
—Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 30 May 2025
Parker Hall The Best Ergonomic Mouse to Keep Wrist Strain at Bay
Wrists cramping?
—Simon Hill, Wired News, 13 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for cramp
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cramp
Verb
-
Will this impede efforts to advance gender equality, especially in technology sectors?—
Lauren Buitta,
Forbes.com,
8 July 2025
-
But some of the worst economic effects will be felt by future generations, who, according to one Gen Zer interviewed by CNBC, are already concerned the deficit will impede their ability to collect social services.—
Leslie Picker,
CNBC,
7 July 2025
Verb
-
This extensive list of options ensures your absence doesn’t hinder your ability to accrue and use your FSA benefits, reflecting a broader understanding of how adaptable life situations and financial planning must be.—
Johnny C. Taylor Jr,
USA Today,
2 July 2025
-
In addition to drying out the atmosphere, the dust also increases wind shear and atmospheric stability — two other key factors that can hinder storm formation.—
Brandi D. Addison,
Austin American Statesman,
2 July 2025
Verb
-
Maintain a safe distance from large vehicles - Trucks or buses can produce a water spray that hampers visibility.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
30 June 2025
-
Keep clear of puddles - Driving through puddles or low rainwater areas can cause vehicles to hydroplane or skid out of control Maintain a safe distance from large vehicles - Trucks or buses can produce a water spray that hampers visibility.—
KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT,
Kansas City Star,
30 June 2025
Verb
-
SoCal embarrassed the Jekyll & Hyde Utah team, who were flying how but who lose easily to the near-last place Hard Eights for their only win of the weekend.—
Todd Boss,
Forbes.com,
30 June 2025
-
Such an attack might embarrass Trump and spur him to make good on his threat in his address to the nation on Saturday evening to respond to Iran with even greater force.—
Uri Friedman,
The Atlantic,
23 June 2025
Verb
-
Don't tail large vehicles closely - Trucks or buses can kick up a water spray that obstructs visibility.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
1 July 2025
-
Keep clear of puddles - Driving through puddles or low rainwater areas can cause vehicles to hydroplane or skid out of control Don't tail large vehicles closely - Trucks or buses can kick up a water spray that obstructs visibility.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
1 July 2025
Verb
-
The European Commission estimates that around 182,000 innovative small and medium-sized companies could benefit from this proposal, essentially eliminating the regulatory fragmentation that has historically handicapped European scaling efforts.—
Charles Towers-Clark,
Forbes.com,
13 June 2025
-
And, of course, all the recession handicapping now hinges on the tariff aggression remaining in place, something that could change quickly if the administration opens an exit ramp.—
Michael Santoli,
CNBC,
5 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Cramp.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cramp. Accessed 15 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share