cringeworthy

adjective

cringe·​wor·​thy ˈkrinj-ˌwər-t͟hē How to pronounce cringeworthy (audio)
: so embarrassing, awkward, or upsetting as to cause one to cringe
a cringeworthy performance

Examples of cringeworthy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Farewell tours can be cringeworthy. — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 25 Mar. 2026 There being fewer cringeworthy moments in press conferences is nice for me and my media brethren. — Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Mar. 2026 That was one of several cringeworthy exchanges. — Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 10 June 2026 Even Martin's close allies described the interview as a cringeworthy moment for the first-term chair. — ABC News, 13 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for cringeworthy

Word History

First Known Use

1977, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cringeworthy was in 1977

Rhymes for cringeworthy

See All Rhymes for cringeworthy

Browse Nearby Words

cringer
cringeworthy
cringey
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cringeworthy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cringeworthy. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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