recoil 1 of 2

recoil

2 of 2

noun

Synonym Chooser

How is the word recoil distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of recoil are blench, flinch, quail, shrink, and wince. While all these words mean "to draw back in fear or distaste," recoil implies a start or movement away through shock, fear, or disgust.

recoiled at the suggestion of stealing

When could blench be used to replace recoil?

The words blench and recoil can be used in similar contexts, but blench implies fainthearted flinching.

stood their ground without blenching

When is flinch a more appropriate choice than recoil?

The meanings of flinch and recoil largely overlap; however, flinch implies a failure to endure pain or face something dangerous or frightening with resolution.

faced her accusers without flinching

When might quail be a better fit than recoil?

While the synonyms quail and recoil are close in meaning, quail suggests shrinking and cowering in fear.

quailed before the apparition

When can shrink be used instead of recoil?

While in some cases nearly identical to recoil, shrink suggests an instinctive recoil through sensitiveness, scrupulousness, or cowardice.

shrank from the unpleasant truth

When would wince be a good substitute for recoil?

The words wince and recoil are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, wince suggests a slight involuntary physical reaction (such as a start or recoiling).

winced in pain

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 recoil
Verb
This disruption of the sextet sets the rest of the story in motion, as everyone reacts and recoils, prompted to judge one another and themselves. Margaret Lyons, New York Times, 1 May 2025 The Ukrainian approach negated recoil by putting two shotgun cartridges back-to-back and firing them together, for a zero net recoil. David Hambling, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025
Noun
One poster for the movie depicted classic Disney characters like Pinocchio, Jasmine, Belle recoiling from Stitch in horror. Brooks Barnes, New York Times, 2 June 2025 In recent weeks, Musk has mostly returned to his day job running his companies, which have been battered as consumers recoil from his highly public right-wing political stands. Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 28 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for recoil
Recent Examples of Synonyms for recoil
Verb
  • Judge Subramanian didn’t flinch, siding with the government.
    Danielle Bacher, People.com, 3 July 2025
  • When the conversation turned to the metaphorical messes — like heartbreak — the 54-year-old didn’t flinch.
    Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 3 July 2025
Noun
  • There are the durian haters — people who experience waves of revulsion at the mere thought of consuming one.
    Ari Daniel, Smithsonian Magazine, 30 June 2025
  • Given teenage revulsion if not denial at the thought of aging, this might be the scariest moment in the entire series.
    Bruce Handy, Vulture, 20 May 2025
Verb
  • Dakota Johnson is more charming than usual here but moves like someone whose feet have never touched the ground, who has never winced looking at a bill.
    Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 25 June 2025
  • Spieth struggled throughout his opening round and was seen wincing in pain several times, even losing hold of a club.
    Kendall Capps, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Recoil.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/recoil. Accessed 15 Jul. 2025.

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