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

Examples 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

In what may have felt like an eternity, Ricks managed to snap a couple of photos and video from a safe distance before the snake recoiled and slithered upwards into the engine again. —

Karen Bartunek, The Arizona Republic, 13 Nov. 2024 Both groups recoiled at the image of old people as frail or needy. —

Daniel Immerwahr, The New Yorker, 25 Nov. 2024

Noun

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 In fact, many of the regime’s domestic opponents advocating for greater freedoms—even those languishing in jail or in exile—recoil from U.S. offers of help. —

Kian Tajbakhsh, Foreign Affairs, 19 Mar. 2019 See all Example Sentences for recoil

Recent Examples of Synonyms for recoil

Verb

But here at last, Adam lets Harry, a younger gay man who doesn’t bear the scars of that era, taste his cum without flinching.

David Opie, IndieWire, 7 Dec. 2024
Asked if the Blue Jackets were motivated by it, Werenski didn’t flinch.

Aaron Portzline, The Athletic, 24 Dec. 2024