as in contractions
a painful sudden tightening of a muscle
I was suddenly awakened by a cramp in my leg
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
as in obstacles
something that makes movement or progress difficult
an antismoking ordinance that was seen as just another cramp on business by bar owners
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in hinders
to create difficulty for the work or activity of
having to constantly entertain guests at the summer cottage was really cramping my writing efforts
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 cramps
Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 13 Jan. 2026
That included three or more loose stools within a 24-hour period, or what is more than normal for that specific person, or vomiting with one of the following symptoms – diarrhea, muscle aches, headaches, abdominal cramps or a fever.
—Steven Yablonski, CBS News, 12 Jan. 2026
The vaccine campaign has been so effective that today, many pediatric medical residents have never encountered an infant hospitalized because of the infection, which can cause days of diarrhea, vomiting, cramps and fever.
—Lisa Jarvis, Mercury News, 9 Jan. 2026
The loss of fluids and electrolytes can cause lightheadedness, excessive thirst, and muscle cramps.
—Pamela Assid Woughter, Verywell Health, 9 Jan. 2026
Banana and Peanut Butter Bananas are a nutrient-dense carbohydrate that may prevent muscle cramps.
—Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, Health, 7 Jan. 2026
Peterson missed the previous two games with cramps and missed seven prior games with a hamstring injury.
—Arkansas Online, 4 Jan. 2026
Common symptoms include diarrhea, stomach cramps, fever, nausea and vomiting.
—Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 31 Dec. 2025
The predominant symptoms experienced by the ill passengers and crew members were vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal cramps.
—Marina Watts, PEOPLE, 31 Dec. 2025
Noun
Peterson has played limited minutes in the second halves of games since returning from his two-game absence also caused by cramps.
—Recent Examples of Synonyms for cramps
Verb
-
That imbalance — one main character rendered flesh and blood while the other never comes to life — hinders the central narrative of the film.—
-
The anti-caking coating that prevents cheese from sticking together also hinders cheese from blending or melting into other foods with ease.—
Verb
-
Maintain a safe distance from large vehicles - Trucks or buses can produce a water spray that hampers visibility.—
-
Maintain a safe distance from large vehicles - Trucks or buses can produce a water spray that hampers visibility.—
Verb
-
Let go of whatever impedes your growth.—
-
During the meeting, Amy Flottemesch, president of the Cincinnati Food Truck Association, said the curfew impedes food truck owners’ ability to do business, which relies on late-night crowds.—
Verb
-
Maia and her boyfriend Dylan (Josh Hustcherson) are on the outs after Maia completely embarrasses herself at Dylan’s game night with his co-workers.—
-
There, the father of the bride gets too drunk and embarrasses himself.—
Verb
-
The San Diego Padres have a lot of money tied up in their star position players, which handicaps them in free agency.—
-
Rams 23, 49ers 20 Lock of the Week Much was made this week about the Bills failing to acquire a wide receiver at the trade deadline and whether that handicaps their Super Bowl chances.—
Verb
-
Don't tail large vehicles closely - Trucks or buses can kick up a water spray that obstructs visibility.—
-
Don't tail large vehicles closely - Trucks or buses can kick up a water spray that obstructs visibility.—
Verb
-
Defenses applied the same concepts, too, emphasizing full-court pressure, which delays the opposing attack.—
-
The order specifically delays a 30% duty on upholstered furniture and 50% levy on kitchen cabinets and vanities, keeping in place a 25% tariff on those goods that was imposed back in September.—
Cite this Entry
“Cramps.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cramps. Accessed 20 Jan. 2026.
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
