as in cramp
a painful sudden tightening of a muscle
got a crick in my neck from sleeping while sitting up
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of crick
One arm is flung haplessly aside, and her head has rolled backward, bending her neck at an angle that will surely cause a crick.
—
Danielle Parker, CBS News, 20 Jan. 2026
Huzi Infinity Travel Neck Pillow Avoid neck cricks and pains with this infinity neck pillow that provides 360-degree support.
—Staff Author, Travel + Leisure, 21 Dec. 2024
Don’t let tech neck put a crick in your running posture.
—Outside Online, 23 Nov. 2022
More of a crick in his neck.
—Bryan Washington, The New Yorker, 4 July 2022
One of my favorite distinctions is when Steve described the difference between calling a particular stream a creek or a crick.
—Anchorage Daily News, 11 Apr. 2021
Old, lumpy pillows that give you a crick in your neck won't do you any favors when trying to fall asleep.
—Lauren Corona, chicagotribune.com, 29 Mar. 2021
If watching from your sofa or bed gives you a crick in your neck?
—Popsci Commerce Team, Popular Science, 23 Feb. 2021
Yet most of us reach a day when merely sleeping in the wrong position on a pillow that’s too soft or too flat brings on a crick in the neck that sticks around for days.
—Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 10 June 2020
Danielle Parker, CBS News, 20 Jan. 2026
Huzi Infinity Travel Neck Pillow Avoid neck cricks and pains with this infinity neck pillow that provides 360-degree support.
—Staff Author, Travel + Leisure, 21 Dec. 2024
Don’t let tech neck put a crick in your running posture.
—Outside Online, 23 Nov. 2022
More of a crick in his neck.
—Bryan Washington, The New Yorker, 4 July 2022
One of my favorite distinctions is when Steve described the difference between calling a particular stream a creek or a crick.
—Anchorage Daily News, 11 Apr. 2021
Old, lumpy pillows that give you a crick in your neck won't do you any favors when trying to fall asleep.
—Lauren Corona, chicagotribune.com, 29 Mar. 2021
If watching from your sofa or bed gives you a crick in your neck?
—Popsci Commerce Team, Popular Science, 23 Feb. 2021
Yet most of us reach a day when merely sleeping in the wrong position on a pillow that’s too soft or too flat brings on a crick in the neck that sticks around for days.
—Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 10 June 2020
Recent Examples of Synonyms for crick
Noun
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Meanwhile, Jannik Sinner was saved by extreme heat rules in the third set of his match while limping and desperately trying to stretch out cramps in his arms and legs.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
24 Jan. 2026
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Protein plays many vital roles in keeping your body healthy, but eating too much at once can cause uncomfortable side effects such as constipation and stomach cramps.—
Maggie O'Neill,
Verywell Health,
21 Jan. 2026
Noun
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The victim was taken to the hospital with two stab wounds to her back, and cuts on her arm and hand that authorities say required stitches, per prosecutors.—
Nicole Acosta,
PEOPLE,
7 Jan. 2026
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After leaving the game, Garrity told reporters that Nimaka would need stitches for his injury, but is expected to be fine.—
Brendan Connelly,
Boston Herald,
7 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Crick.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/crick. Accessed 30 Jan. 2026.
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