as in stitch
a painful sudden tightening of a muscle
I was suddenly awakened by a cramp in my leg
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
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
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Recent Examples of cramp
María Quiles, Vogue, 20 Mar. 2025
Although Sabalenka was suffering from severe stomach cramps at the time, that two-and-a-half-hour battle was a breakthrough in more ways than one.
—Tim Ellis, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025
Lauren Jones, Southern Living, 12 Feb. 2025
In his third season there, while golfing on a trip in Huntsville, Ala., LeBoeuf felt cramping in his calves.
—Tyler Kepner, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cramp
Noun
Mood swings, irritability, headaches, acne, and cramps are some of the most common symptoms suffered by women during the week leading up to menstruation.
—María Quiles, Vogue, 20 Mar. 2025
Although Sabalenka was suffering from severe stomach cramps at the time, that two-and-a-half-hour battle was a breakthrough in more ways than one.
—Tim Ellis, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025
Verb
On the other hand, dark brown, rich green, or navy, can make a room inadvertently cramped.
—Lauren Jones, Southern Living, 12 Feb. 2025
In his third season there, while golfing on a trip in Huntsville, Ala., LeBoeuf felt cramping in his calves.
—Tyler Kepner, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cramp
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cramp
Verb
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Removing opportunities for public commentary could impede the department’s ability to operate in the public’s interest, according to experts who spoke with Reuters.—
Joshua P. Cohen,
Forbes.com,
3 Apr. 2025
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The charges were first dropped a few weeks into President Donald Trump’s second term in part because the case would impede Adams’ ability to do his job as mayor, including cooperating with Trump’s immigration crackdown, the Justice Department’s new acting deputy attorney general wrote.—
Gloria Pazmino,
CNN Money,
3 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Related article Recession odds are rising as Trump’s trade war escalates, Goldman Sachs says The economy faces a growing risk of a recession as tariffs could hinder growth, increase unemployment and contribute to inflation, according to Goldman Sachs.—
John Towfighi,
CNN Money,
31 Mar. 2025
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Such rigid mentalities can lead team members to avoid challenges, fear failure and resist feedback, which ultimately hinders their organizations’ overall business growth.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
31 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Aly Song | Reuters Trump's tariffs on China are already hampering Christmas sales.—
Dan Mangan,Kevin Breuninger,Jeff Cox,Christina Wilkie,Erin Doherty,Ruxandra Iordache,
CNBC,
9 Apr. 2025
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The daytime setting undermined their gimmicks, and Wyatt's early ankle injury hampered his performance, leading to a slow, unengaging match that failed to live up to the intriguing potential of the pairing.—
Gordon G. Chang,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 Apr. 2025
Verb
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But the medical-looking royal blue bottles of nicotine lozenges embarrassed her.—
Will Yakowicz,
Forbes.com,
30 Mar. 2025
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Many of them had to fail, repeat, embarrass themselves, risk everything, and learn.—
Ars Technica,
Ars Technica,
23 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Yoon has repeatedly accused Lee’s Democratic Party of abusing its parliamentary majority status to obstruct his agenda, impeach senior officials and slash the government’s budget bill.—
Time,
Time,
8 Apr. 2025
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Keep clear of puddles - Driving through puddles or low rainwater areas can cause vehicles to hydroplane or skid out of control Don't tail large vehicles closely - Trucks or buses can kick up a water spray that obstructs visibility.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
8 Apr. 2025
Verb
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The early flights were handicapped by bulky suits and an unanticipated need for gloves capable of precise movement.—
Alice George,
Smithsonian Magazine,
18 Mar. 2025
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Help is limited: The Palestinian Authority is strapped for cash, and the main U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees, known by the acronym UNRWA, has been handicapped by Israeli legislation.—
Julia Frankel,
TIME,
28 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Cramp.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cramp. Accessed 14 Apr. 2025.
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