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

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Recent Examples of wince

Verb

The pianist winced at the bassist, and the saxophonist struggled to find any space in the rhythm. —

Ariel Katz, Forbes, 24 Oct. 2024 Artists who worked with or were professionally close to Combs, such as Usher might now wince at their association. —

Melissa Ruggieri, USA TODAY, 11 Oct. 2024 Readers will wince, but such human appeals are also a spur to action. —

Paul Collier, Foreign Affairs, 1 Sep. 2011 Reclining seats won’t be coming to Wizz Air’s longer routes, while legroom will remain limited, leaving prospective passengers wincing about newfound levels of discomfort. —

Byryan Hogg, Fortune Europe, 18 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for wince

Recent Examples of Synonyms for wince

Verb

People gawk and flinch on the subway; a comely neighbor, Ingrid (Renate Reinsve), upon meeting him, lets out an involuntary shriek.

Justin Chang, The New Yorker, 13 Sep. 2024
The sports action is visceral and looks painfully real, the violent force of slams and flips likely causing many in the audience to flinch.

David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 7 Sep. 2024