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
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
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Your stronger body will give you the confidence that comes from moving without flinching.—
Dana Santas,
CNN Money,
11 Sep. 2025
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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
Verb
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Immediately, Moore was on the ground and wincing in pain.—
James Brizuela,
MSNBC Newsweek,
9 Sep. 2025
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Not to mention wincing in pain any time another museum donation gets shipped off.—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
9 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Recoiling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/recoiling. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.
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