FLINCH Synonyms: 71 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'flinch' distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of flinch are blench , quail , recoil , shrink , and wince . While all these words mean "to draw back in fear or distaste," flinch implies a failure to endure pain or face something dangerous or frightening with resolution. // faced her accusers without flinching

Q: When can 'blench' be used instead of 'flinch'?

While in some cases nearly identical to flinch , blench implies fainthearted flinching. // stood their ground without blenching

Q: When would 'quail' be a good substitute for 'flinch'?

The words quail and flinch are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, quail suggests shrinking and cowering in fear. // quailed before the apparition

Q: In what contexts can 'recoil' take the place of 'flinch'?

In some situations, the words recoil and flinch are roughly equivalent. However, recoil implies a start or movement away through shock, fear, or disgust. // recoiled at the suggestion of stealing

Q: When might 'shrink' be a better fit than 'flinch'?

While the synonyms shrink and flinch are close in meaning, shrink suggests an instinctive recoil through sensitiveness, scrupulousness, or cowardice. // shrank from the unpleasant truth

Q: When is 'wince' a more appropriate choice than 'flinch'?

Although the words wince and flinch have much in common, wince suggests a slight involuntary physical reaction (such as a start or recoiling). // winced in pain

flinch 1 of 2

verb

ˈflinch

Definition of flinch next

as in to wince

to draw back in fear, pain, or disgust there are some patients who flinch at the mere sight of a needle

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

flinch

2 of 2

noun

as in wince

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in recoil

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word flinch distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of flinch are blench, quail, recoil, shrink, and wince. While all these words mean "to draw back in fear or distaste," flinch implies a failure to endure pain or face something dangerous or frightening with resolution.

faced her accusers without flinching

When can blench be used instead of flinch?

While in some cases nearly identical to flinch, blench implies fainthearted flinching.

stood their ground without blenching

When would quail be a good substitute for flinch?

The words quail and flinch are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, quail suggests shrinking and cowering in fear.

quailed before the apparition

In what contexts can recoil take the place of flinch?

In some situations, the words recoil and flinch are roughly equivalent. However, recoil implies a start or movement away through shock, fear, or disgust.

recoiled at the suggestion of stealing

When might shrink be a better fit than flinch?

While the synonyms shrink and flinch are close in meaning, shrink suggests an instinctive recoil through sensitiveness, scrupulousness, or cowardice.

shrank from the unpleasant truth

When is wince a more appropriate choice than flinch?

Although the words wince and flinch have much in common, wince suggests a slight involuntary physical reaction (such as a start or recoiling).

winced in pain

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 flinch

Verb

The investigation was sparked, the department says, by a slew of reports made to Child Protective Services and to the police department itself following a video in which Hiatt's son James appears to briefly flinch and hide his face while his dad walks toward him. —

Virginia Chamlee, People.com, 9 Dec. 2024 Members of this family could walk over hot coals without flinching. —

Brenda Goodman, CNN, 30 Jan. 2025 Page, a fixture on the vaunted Vikings defensive line, fired into Mack claiming the Rams left guard had flinched before the snap. —

Sam Farmer, Los Angeles Times, 13 Jan. 2025 The team that wins this game may be the one capable of withstanding the most, and that may be the closest group, the one that refuses to flinch. —

Jon Krawczynski, The Athletic, 3 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for flinch

Recent Examples of Synonyms for flinch

Verb

Then, midway through the second set, the defending Australian Open champion winced when running down a ball from the Danish No. 13 seed on his backhand side.

— Charlie Eccleshare, The Athletic, 20 Jan. 2025
Mindful of the land mines around establishing novel hunting seasons, and wincing over rejection of crane hunting on at least two previous occasions, promoters of the sandhill hunt were intentional about building stakeholder support for a season.

— Andrew McKean, Outdoor Life, 17 Jan. 2025