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

Native artists winced two years ago when Gilbert Ortega Jr. accosted Native performers in front of his store in Old Town Scottsdale, Arizona, during a Super Bowl promotion. —

Debra Utacia Krol, USA TODAY, 28 Nov. 2024 Given the number of injury problems Everton have had already this summer, Dyche must have winced when captain Seamus Coleman went down with a calf problem half an hour into Saturday’s draw against Roma, before heading straight down the tunnel for treatment. —

Patrick Boyland, The Athletic, 12 Aug. 2024 Native artists winced two years ago when Gilbert Ortega Jr. accosted Native performers in front of his Old Town Scottsdale store during a Super Bowl promotion. —

Debra Utacia Krol, The Arizona Republic, 22 Nov. 2024 Seven-year-old Nathalie winced one morning as a nurse injected an antibiotic in her arm. —

Elian Peltier, New York Times, 29 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for wince

Recent Examples of Synonyms for wince

Verb

Before putting the pruning shears in, Charles slightly jabbed them towards Stewart, and the musician pretended to flinch, causing both of them to laugh.

— Ingrid Vasquez, People.com, 16 Jan. 2025
But the Rams — on a mission to win and also lift the spirits of their devastated hometown — did not flinch Monday night.

— Gary Klein, Los Angeles Times, 14 Jan. 2025