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
There is no vaccine for the illness, which can cause stomach cramps and diarrhea. — Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 12 Oct. 2026 An April report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention tracked nearly 17,000 Shigella samples, which causes Shigellosis, which and can bring on diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps, collected between 2011 and 2023. — Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 10 Oct. 2026
Verb
Airlines in desperate search of profits are expanding roomy first- and business-class seating on flights while economy class continues to get more cramped. — Joel Mathis, TheWeek, 23 Sep. 2026 This week’s report includes several photos that show men in orange jumpsuits cramped in holding cells for more than 12 hours. — Claire Healy, Miami Herald, 16 Sep. 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
  • Latest injury report KU sophomore Kohl Rosario needed 14 stitches after getting elbowed at practice Friday and did not attend the game.
    — Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 25 Oct. 2026
  • The Roger Clubhouse has more than initially meets the eye with its all-white colorway, as the laces feature a shaggy texture and two red stitch embellishments are added at the heel.
    — Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of stitch
Noun
  • Icy weather, snowstorms, obstructive foliage and rugged terrain along the wild Rockies were just some of the obstacles Ben Nickell and Anne Koski faced on a 10-year journey to climb the highest point in each of Idaho’s 44 counties.
    — Harllie Stevenson, Idaho Statesman, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Long before launch, the team faced obstacles that nearly thwarted the endeavor — chiefly, two rejections from NASA — before finally securing the green light for the $1 billion project under the New Frontiers Program in 2011.
    — Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of obstacle
Verb
  • Schwank also took issue with ICE’s characterization that Moreida was standing in the middle of an active road and impeding law enforcement’s actions.
    — Eduardo Cuevas, CNN Money, 25 Oct. 2026
  • Federal officials argue that California’s refusal to review the federal list or set aside the associated ballots impedes enforcement.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of impede
Noun
  • Piezoelectric generators are particularly attractive for implants because the body is constantly moving, from the expansion and contraction of the lungs to the rhythmic beating of the heart.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 23 Oct. 2026
  • The method, called contraction-aware reinforcement learning, is designed for robots with different forms of movement, including wheeled, flying, and six-legged platforms.
    — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of contraction
Noun
  • That's good news for home shoppers, but may not be enough to overcome the affordability hurdles keeping many prospective homebuyers out of the market.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 26 Oct. 2026
  • On Wednesday, the Republican House speaker acknowledged his party’s hurdles while stumping for congressional candidate Kevin Lincoln in Stockton in the Central Valley.
    — Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of hurdle
Verb
  • This method prevents nitrogen from diluting the exhaust gas, which hinders combustion and keeps the CO₂ concentration relatively low.
    — Muskan Bhatia, Interesting Engineering, 22 Oct. 2026
  • New demarcations of Indigenous lands are expected to be frozen, under the argument that reserving territory hinders mining, agricultural expansion, and growth.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of hinder
Noun
  • Washington will need to help both Europe and Russia contain their use of coercion before the security dilemma locks them into a dangerous escalatory spasm.
    — Dmitry Adamsky, Foreign Affairs, 21 Oct. 2026
  • Sensitivity to noise, touch and emotional distress can set off muscle spasms, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.
    — Andrea Flores, Los Angeles Times, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of spasm
Noun
  • Also, keep extra toilet paper visible, your hand soap full and some air freshener on the counter, so everyone can use the bathroom without embarrassment or disgust.
    — Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 26 Oct. 2026
  • The league is a farce and an embarrassment to our country, not thier country.
    — Joe Kinsey OutKick, FOXNews.com, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of embarrassment

Phrases Containing cramp

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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 28 Oct. 2026.

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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cramp

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