as in flinches
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 recoils
Jessica A. Stern, The Conversation, 23 Jan. 2026
But the Oscar-winning filmmaker recoils at being called a visionary.
—Brent Lang, Variety, 5 Jan. 2026
Some former students, including Mamdani, who signed up for Kagan’s 12th-grade AP World History class, have referred to themselves as Kaganites, a term Kagan literally recoils from.
—The Editors, Curbed, 15 Dec. 2025
Verb
At some point, each of us is faced with a clingy child, a dramatic friend, a partner who recoils at the first hint of intimacy, a volatile parent or a controlling boss — in short, a difficult relationship.
—Jessica A. Stern, The Conversation, 23 Jan. 2026
But the Oscar-winning filmmaker recoils at being called a visionary.
—Brent Lang, Variety, 5 Jan. 2026
Some former students, including Mamdani, who signed up for Kagan’s 12th-grade AP World History class, have referred to themselves as Kaganites, a term Kagan literally recoils from.
—The Editors, Curbed, 15 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for recoils
Verb
-
Cash flinches from this cascade of consequences.—
Gideon Leek,
The Atlantic,
13 Jan. 2026
-
Sheinbaum quickly moves away and visibly flinches as the man attempts to put his arm around her.—
Ellie Cook,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Bryan winces after weighing in at 597 lbs.—
Vanessa Etienne,
PEOPLE,
9 Dec. 2025
-
When the crowd begins hooting in response, Nanjiani winces.—
Kathryn VanArendonk,
Vulture,
3 Dec. 2025
Verb
-
Payton cringes at the mention of a sophomore slump, that defenses will figure out Nix.—
Troy Renck,
Denver Post,
6 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Recoils.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/recoils. Accessed 5 Feb. 2026.
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