as in flinching
to draw back in fear, pain, or disgust
the social worker tried not to recoil from the sight of the cockroach in the bathtub
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Recent Examples of recoiling
Bassist Franz Lyons, standing nearby onstage, is seen recoiling and shielding his eyes from the dispersing spray.
—
Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 31 Oct. 2025
Americans are recoiling from the Democratic Party, and even in blue states like Colorado, Democrats are feeling the burn.
—The Denver Post Editorial Board, Denver Post, 16 Sep. 2025
And the supporters who responded to his complaints about overzealous Democrats aren’t recoiling.
—Jonathan J. Cooper, Twin Cities, 6 Sep. 2025
The moment was caught on camera by fans, with Bryan seen slightly recoiling after the hit.
—Lauryn Overhultz, FOXNews.com, 15 Aug. 2025
Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 31 Oct. 2025
Americans are recoiling from the Democratic Party, and even in blue states like Colorado, Democrats are feeling the burn.
—The Denver Post Editorial Board, Denver Post, 16 Sep. 2025
And the supporters who responded to his complaints about overzealous Democrats aren’t recoiling.
—Jonathan J. Cooper, Twin Cities, 6 Sep. 2025
The moment was caught on camera by fans, with Bryan seen slightly recoiling after the hit.
—Lauryn Overhultz, FOXNews.com, 15 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for recoiling
Verb
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Ross passed the day's examination with flying colors – barely flinching at the rubber chicken.—
Laura L. Davis,
Nashville Tennessean,
6 Oct. 2025
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Skubal, apparently flinching with the noise, balked for only the second time in his career.—
Cody Stavenhagen,
New York Times,
24 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The actress was shown wincing in pain before being escorted out of the ballroom on a stretcher into an ambulance.—
Mekishana Pierre,
Entertainment Weekly,
30 Oct. 2025
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In that moment, Dupree involuntarily punches him and the pair go quiet as Dooley cusses and bends over wincing in pain.—
Vanessa Etienne,
PEOPLE,
2 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Recoiling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/recoiling. Accessed 17 Nov. 2025.
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