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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 recoiling
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
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
-
Share relevant proof that mirrors their situation, name your price without flinching, and close with one clear question.—
Jodie Cook,
Forbes.com,
25 Aug. 2025
-
The Colorado Rapids aren’t flinching in the midst of a wild summer transfer window.—
Braidon Nourse,
Denver Post,
20 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Sideline reporter Stacey Dales said on the YouTube broadcast that Worthy was wincing in pain and went to the X-ray room.—
Jesse Newell,
New York Times,
6 Sep. 2025
-
But lawmakers on both sides are wincing at the thought of a full-year funding patch, particularly as the government operates under its third continuous stopgap.—
Aris Folley,
The Hill,
5 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Recoiling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/recoiling. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share