1
as in cramp
a painful sudden tightening of a muscle
got a kink in my neck from lying in that awkward position for too long
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in trick
an odd or peculiar habit
the boss's fondness for nicknames is one of those kinks that staffers just have to put up with
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in whim
a sudden impulsive and apparently unmotivated idea or action
whenever he got a kink in his head, he'd drop whatever he was doing to pursue this latest obsession
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of kink
Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Jan. 2026
The hope is that administrators worked out all the kinks from the last time the school system went remote, which resulted in a systemwide crash.
—Jesse Zanger, CBS News, 22 Jan. 2026
Nan Sterman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Jan. 2026
To preserve the svelte look, rather than appearing boxy, the floor-to-ceiling glass panels on the upper deck are subtly kinked to maintain the racing lines.
—Tristan Rutherford, Robb Report, 26 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for kink
Noun
Councilmembers Sean Elo-Rivera and Kent Lee, who initially backed the fees, urged Gloria to pause them until the kinks are worked out of the system.
—Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Jan. 2026
The hope is that administrators worked out all the kinks from the last time the school system went remote, which resulted in a systemwide crash.
—Jesse Zanger, CBS News, 22 Jan. 2026
Verb
The container should be big enough to accommodate the roots without bending or kinking them.
—Nan Sterman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Jan. 2026
To preserve the svelte look, rather than appearing boxy, the floor-to-ceiling glass panels on the upper deck are subtly kinked to maintain the racing lines.
—Tristan Rutherford, Robb Report, 26 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for kink
Recent Examples of Synonyms for kink
Noun
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Before his illness, things seemed to be on the mend with his cramps.—
Shreyas Laddha,
Kansas City Star,
20 Feb. 2026
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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
Noun
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Wang Xindi won his first Olympic gold earlier today after landing a trick with five twists in the aerial event.—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
20 Feb. 2026
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From selecting the perfect bag, to using versatile pouches, and choosing your accessories methodically, these are my tips and tricks for personal item packing.—
Taylor Fox,
Travel + Leisure,
19 Feb. 2026
Noun
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The Court ruled that Trump could no longer use a 1977 law called the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEPPA) to impose sweeping tariffs as his personal whim.—
Brian Bennett,
Time,
20 Feb. 2026
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Of course, a lot of what hits and what misses is luck, studio politics, the whims of the audience.—
Bill Goodykoontz,
AZCentral.com,
18 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The man, named Bawrgiyo Jaw, is possessed of a tremendous mandible, and the black tips of his spectacles loop over the tops of ears that enclose a full head of black hair.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
19 Feb. 2026
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Chen meets with 20 or so strangers who have signed up to his Happy Town walks that start at the CF Toronto Eaton Centre and loop around to hit landmarks like the Metro Toronto Convention Centre and Roy Thomson Hall.—
Vivian Song,
CNN Money,
17 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Lue said after the game that Collins, who received six stitches to close the wound, was still being evaluated for his head injury.—
Benjamin Royer,
Oc Register,
21 Feb. 2026
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The sheer richness of the fashion, meanwhile, compels viewers to step up closely to admire the artistry of the stitches and richness of the embroideries, and that’s precisely the point, because ultimately this is a celebration of the art of Italian handcraft.—
Laurie Brookins,
Travel + Leisure,
21 Feb. 2026
Noun
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The verdict closes a chapter of one of South Korea’s biggest political crises, a saga that has been full of dramatic twists that have tested the country’s democratic guardrails.—
Helen Regan,
CNN Money,
19 Feb. 2026
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The strawberry honey ice cream has a tangy twist with balsamic glaze and black pepper folded in.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
19 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Cast Iron Cookware Cast iron pans that are left to cool in winter aren't a match for steamy water, which can warp or crack them.—
Shagun Khare,
The Spruce,
21 Feb. 2026
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Check if the drip pans are removable and safe for soaking or scrubbing, as some materials can scratch or warp with harsh cleaners or abrasive pads, according to Stein.—
Daley Quinn,
Southern Living,
20 Feb. 2026
Noun
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These characteristics are amplified by Fire, a flamboyant element that represents boldness, passion, and action.—
Marie Bladt,
Vogue,
20 Feb. 2026
-
Reliable characteristics in your players.—
Chris Perkins,
Sun Sentinel,
20 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Kink.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/kink. Accessed 26 Feb. 2026.
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