cramp 1 of 3

noun (1)

ˈkramp How to pronounce cramp (audio)
Definition of crampnext
as in stitch
a painful sudden tightening of a muscle I was suddenly awakened by a cramp in my leg

Synonyms & Similar Words

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cramp

2 of 3

noun (2)

as in obstacle
something that makes movement or progress difficult an antismoking ordinance that was seen as just another cramp on business by bar owners

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

cramp

3 of 3

verb

as in to impede
to create difficulty for the work or activity of having to constantly entertain guests at the summer cottage was really cramping my writing efforts

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 cramp
Noun
Advertisement Doperak and Lund say that pickle juice is best used to treat muscle cramps, rather than prevent them. — Chantelle Lee, Time, 26 June 2026 Symptoms of cyclosporiasis occur between two days and two weeks after exposure, and include frequent watery diarrhea, loss of appetite and weight, abdominal cramps and bloating, nausea and low-grade fever. — Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 30 June 2026
Verb
Dealt with a preseason full-body cramping issue requiring hospitalization, then missed 11 games for injury or illness. — ABC News, 23 June 2026 Unlike the current cramped 7-seater Model Y, the L version adds six inches of length, significantly enhancing head and legroom. — Brooke Crothers, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for cramp
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cramp
  1. stitch
  2. obstacle
  3. impede
  4. contraction
  5. hurdle
  6. hinder
  7. spasm
  8. embarrassment
Noun
  • Lockett, who authorities said is from Anaheim, allegedly gave the girl a Percocet pill and sent her to a hospital to get stitches.
    — Brittny Mejia, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026
  • But Downes says those stitches were worth it, especially after seeing how people responded to her artwork at the festival.
    — Raymond Strickland, CBS News, 28 June 2026
Definition of stitch
Noun
  • But even Johnson is not immune to the bruising consequences of dealing with a president who critics say treats Congress as an obstacle, instead of an equal — frequently flexing his power through executive orders.
    — Francesca Chambers, USA Today, 2 July 2026
  • Crews can drive directly into rivers or lakes without installing additional equipment, allowing the vehicle to continue moving even when water obstacles stand in the way.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 2 July 2026
Definition of obstacle
Verb
  • Health care workers who impede these rituals for infection-control reasons often face hostility and violence; clinics have been attacked and burned down during this outbreak, furthering viral spread.
    — Alice Park, Time, 2 July 2026
  • These vehicles were blocking and impeding fire operations, and several were non-operational and required tow truck assistance for removal.
    — Jeff Nguyen, CBS News, 1 July 2026
Definition of impede
Noun
  • Director-level and above roles continued to show relative strength, growing faster than the broader market, while junior and mid-level hiring recovered only after prior contraction.
    — Michael Wright, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
  • The National Bureau of Economic Research dates the contraction that began in 1929 as ending in March 1933, though the broader Depression lasted for years and the economy suffered another severe recession in 1937-38 before World War II.
    — Dan Mangan,Luke Fountain,Kevin Breuninger,Garrett Downs,Ashley Capoot,Justin Papp, CNBC, 2 July 2026
Definition of contraction
Noun
  • To directly address these technical, safety, and regulatory hurdles, the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) and the international energy technology firm Eni have established a new commercial engineering services company named RH3OVA.
    — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 5 July 2026
  • There are still some hurdles to get Trout to the game this year.
    — Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 5 July 2026
Definition of hurdle
Verb
  • He was charged with hindering apprehension, obstruction of justice and tampering with evidence in connection with this case.
    — Tom Ignudo, CBS News, 2 July 2026
  • The Great American State Fair kicked off last week, though the 16-day event has been hindered by weather shutdowns, technical difficulties and low attendance.
    — Antonio Pequeño IV, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
Definition of hinder
Noun
  • Max Muncy popped out and Kyle Tucker, back in the lineup after exiting Monday’s game because of back spasms, flied out.
    — Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 27 June 2026
  • Toronto’s Marina Mabrey was a late scratch due to neck spasms, one game after tying the league record with 53 points in a 125-97 victory over the Los Angeles Sparks.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 27 June 2026
Definition of spasm
Noun
  • Goalkeeper Matt Freese’s costly blunder in the 57th minute was an embarrassment that gifted the Belgians a third goal to all but seal the elimination loss.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 7 July 2026
  • Either way, the development is a public embarrassment for Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek, whose antagonistic, foot-dragging attitude in negotiations with his young core finally cost him dearly.
    — Greg Beacham, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
Definition of embarrassment

Phrases Containing cramp

Browse Nearby Words

cramming
cramp
cramped
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Cite this Entry

“Cramp.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cramp. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on cramp

Nglish: Translation of cramp for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cramp

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