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
Symptoms from their bites include muscle cramps, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and more. — Rashad Alexander, Kansas City Star, 23 Sep. 2026 Each knife has an ergonomic grip to minimize cramps—especially valuable in long sessions of prepping mirepoix for your favorite fall soup recipe. — Abigail Wilt, Southern Living, 22 Sep. 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
  • The blow caused a minor skull fracture and a gash that required three stitches to close.
    — Roni Jacobson, New York Daily News, 25 Sep. 2026
  • The ball was also autographed by Happ, who left a third message between the red stitches.
    — Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 25 Sep. 2026
Definition of stitch
Noun
  • Galarza said misconceptions about electric stoves are the largest obstacle to broader use.
    — Tony Briscoe, Los Angeles Times, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Read More Roborock’s Saros 20 stands out for its ability to climb tall thresholds, avoid obstacles with impressive accuracy, and clean under low furniture thanks to its slim design.
    — Brad Bourque, The Verge, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of obstacle
Verb
  • Wheat had asked that the subpoenas be kept secret, so as not to impede an open investigation.
    — Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 29 Sep. 2026
  • Garces Perez faces one count of assaulting, resisting and impeding a federal officer.
    — Camilo Montoya-Galvez, CBS News, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of impede
Noun
  • Monthly payroll contraction in industries with a higher share of women workers like government also diluted overall gains for women in the month, Stahle said.
    — Alex Harring,Deena Zaidi, CNBC, 2 Oct. 2026
  • That plunge in work amid the larger Hollywood contraction has challenged industry unions as well.
    — Katie Kilkenny, HollywoodReporter, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of contraction
Noun
  • This year, for example, Regan dropped an initiative that would have restricted hospital executives’ pay, in exchange for the California Hospital Association not imposing new administrative hurdles on unions pursuing political campaigns.
    — Nicholas Lemann, New Yorker, 4 Oct. 2026
  • One of the biggest hurdles the state faces is communicating to the public the importance of these fires.
    — Taylor Romine, CNN Money, 4 Oct. 2026
Definition of hurdle
Verb
  • The chair of Fayette County Democrats, Tracy Wilson, said the Uniontown Police Department is already short-staffed and underfunded and believes the program could hinder officers from answering calls.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Celebrity guests accompany the contestants, ideally helping and not hindering them, to an all-or-nothing final, where one test decides everything, including the true identity of the player.
    — Max Goldbart, Deadline, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of hinder
Noun
  • Witt dealt with back spasms and a knee sprain during the summer.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 29 Sep. 2026
  • At 8 months, the child was also diagnosed with infantile epileptic spasms syndrome, a severe form of epilepsy.
    — Inaya Folarin Iman, CBS News, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of spasm
Noun
  • Mountbatten-Windsor’s relationship with Epstein has been a source of embarrassment to the royal family for more than a decade and forced him to give up royal duties in 2019.
    — Danica Kirka, Los Angeles Times, 5 Oct. 2026
  • Mountbatten-Windsor's relationship with Epstein has been a source of embarrassment to the royal family for more than a decade and forced him to give up royal duties in 2019.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 5 Oct. 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 9 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on cramp

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cramp

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