RECOIL Synonyms: 46 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of recoil are blench , flinch , quail , shrink , and wince . While all these words mean "to draw back in fear or distaste," recoil implies a start or movement away through shock, fear, or disgust. // recoiled at the suggestion of stealing

Q: When could 'blench' be used to replace 'recoil'?

The words blench and recoil can be used in similar contexts, but blench implies fainthearted flinching. // stood their ground without blenching

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

The meanings of flinch and recoil largely overlap; however, flinch implies a failure to endure pain or face something dangerous or frightening with resolution. // faced her accusers without flinching

Q: When might 'quail' be a better fit than 'recoil'?

While the synonyms quail and recoil are close in meaning, quail suggests shrinking and cowering in fear. // quailed before the apparition

Q: When can 'shrink' be used instead of 'recoil'?

While in some cases nearly identical to recoil , shrink suggests an instinctive recoil through sensitiveness, scrupulousness, or cowardice. // shrank from the unpleasant truth

Q: When would 'wince' be a good substitute for 'recoil'?

The words wince and recoil are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, wince suggests a slight involuntary physical reaction (such as a start or recoiling). // winced in pain

recoil 1 of 2

verb

ri-ˈkȯi(-ə)l

Definition of recoil next

as in to flinch

to draw back in fear, pain, or disgust the social worker tried not to recoil from the sight of the cockroach in the bathtub

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

recoil

2 of 2

noun

as in revulsion

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word recoil distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of recoil are blench, flinch, quail, shrink, and wince. While all these words mean "to draw back in fear or distaste," recoil implies a start or movement away through shock, fear, or disgust.

recoiled at the suggestion of stealing

When could blench be used to replace recoil?

The words blench and recoil can be used in similar contexts, but blench implies fainthearted flinching.

stood their ground without blenching

When is flinch a more appropriate choice than recoil?

The meanings of flinch and recoil largely overlap; however, flinch implies a failure to endure pain or face something dangerous or frightening with resolution.

faced her accusers without flinching

When might quail be a better fit than recoil?

While the synonyms quail and recoil are close in meaning, quail suggests shrinking and cowering in fear.

quailed before the apparition

When can shrink be used instead of recoil?

While in some cases nearly identical to recoil, shrink suggests an instinctive recoil through sensitiveness, scrupulousness, or cowardice.

shrank from the unpleasant truth

When would wince be a good substitute for recoil?

The words wince and recoil are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 recoil

Verb

Goldberg visibly recoiled from the collision, almost falling over before catching herself on the toy stand in front of her. —

EW.com, 11 Dec. 2024 On the exhale, everything will recoil back together. —

Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 19 Nov. 2024

Noun

There are five layers of insulation consisting of foam, silicone and stabilizers that ensure a solid typing experience without that annoying and very loud spring recoil that the old IBM-style keyboards had. —

Mark Sparrow, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024 His body battled against gravity—its mournful advance up each step found an echo in the lightning recoil that shot through his face and shoulders. —

Kayla Aletha Welch, Longreads, 19 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for recoil

Recent Examples of Synonyms for recoil

Verb

In the 18th episode of the show’s current season, the baller whose team is hoping to become the first NFL squad to win three Super Bowls in a row at the big game on Feb. 9 doesn’t flinch while reading a question about friendship bracelets.

— Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 29 Jan. 2025
In retrospect, figureheads may flinch at their own clumsiness in interviewing her.

— Lisa Kennedy, Variety, 24 Jan. 2025