WINCE Synonyms: 60 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of wince are blench , flinch , quail , recoil , and shrink . While all these words mean "to draw back in fear or distaste," wince suggests a slight involuntary physical reaction (such as a start or recoiling). // winced in pain

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

In some situations, the words blench and wince are roughly equivalent. However, blench implies fainthearted flinching. // stood their ground without blenching

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

While the synonyms flinch and wince are close in meaning, flinch implies a failure to endure pain or face something dangerous or frightening with resolution. // faced her accusers without flinching

Q: Where would 'quail' be a reasonable alternative to 'wince'?

The meanings of quail and wince largely overlap; however, quail suggests shrinking and cowering in fear. // quailed before the apparition

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

Although the words recoil and wince have much in common, recoil implies a start or movement away through shock, fear, or disgust. // recoiled at the suggestion of stealing

Q: When is it sensible to use 'shrink' instead of 'wince'?

The words shrink and wince can be used in similar contexts, but shrink suggests an instinctive recoil through sensitiveness, scrupulousness, or cowardice. // shrank from the unpleasant truth

wince 1 of 2

verb

ˈwin(t)s

Definition of wince next

as in to flinch

to draw back in fear, pain, or disgust winced at the movie's graphic depiction of combat injuries

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

wince

2 of 2

noun

as in flinch

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word wince distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of wince are blench, flinch, quail, recoil, and shrink. While all these words mean "to draw back in fear or distaste," wince suggests a slight involuntary physical reaction (such as a start or recoiling).

winced in pain

When would blench be a good substitute for wince?

In some situations, the words blench and wince are roughly equivalent. However, blench implies fainthearted flinching.

stood their ground without blenching

When might flinch be a better fit than wince?

While the synonyms flinch and wince are close in meaning, flinch implies a failure to endure pain or face something dangerous or frightening with resolution.

faced her accusers without flinching

Where would quail be a reasonable alternative to wince?

The meanings of quail and wince largely overlap; however, quail suggests shrinking and cowering in fear.

quailed before the apparition

When can recoil be used instead of wince?

Although the words recoil and wince have much in common, recoil implies a start or movement away through shock, fear, or disgust.

recoiled at the suggestion of stealing

When is it sensible to use shrink instead of wince?

The words shrink and wince can be used in similar contexts, but shrink suggests an instinctive recoil through sensitiveness, scrupulousness, or cowardice.

shrank from the unpleasant truth

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 wince

Verb

During this whole uncomfortable, awful conversation, Devin keeps laughing awkwardly, literally squirming, and visibly wincing every time the crowd cheers for Jenn. —

Kristen Baldwin, EW.com, 4 Sep. 2024 The lefty-shooting Randle immediately grabbed his right shoulder and winced before running into the locker room with a trainer. —

Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 27 Jan. 2024 But at that precise moment, one companion was wincing too much to marvel at either. —

Grayson Haver Currin, Outside Online, 6 Aug. 2024 Some people in the crowd shook their heads and winced. —

Faiz Siddiqui, Washington Post, 29 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for wince

Recent Examples of Synonyms for wince

Verb

The sisters are thrilled the JP era is over, but still flinch anytime the doorbell rings.

Caroline Framke, Vulture, 13 Nov. 2024
But when East discarded on the first trump, Cy flinched.

Frank Stewart, The Mercury News, 3 Nov. 2024