cramp 1 of 3

noun (1)

ˈkramp 
Definition of cramp
as in stitch
a painful sudden tightening of a muscle I was suddenly awakened by a cramp in my leg

Synonyms & Similar Words

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cramp

2 of 3

noun (2)

as in obstacle
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

cramp

3 of 3

verb

as in to impede
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 cramp
Noun
Neither trial was designed to test ordinary leg cramps in healthy adults, and both were small pilots. — Samantha Agate, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Aug. 2026 Salmonella causes diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps in most people infected. — Eva Flowe august 21, Charlotte Observer, 21 Aug. 2026
Verb
One end has no roof, while the stand opposite feels a tad cramped. — Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026 But Bloom checked in at three floors and 163,000-square feet and at no point does any of it feel cramped. — Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 10 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for cramp
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cramp
  1. stitch
  2. obstacle
  3. impede
  4. contraction
  5. hurdle
  6. hinder
  7. spasm
  8. embarrassment
Noun
  • York’s arrest is the latest turn in a dramatic summer for the 49ers, who opened training camp last month with the news of a car crash 10 days prior that had left coach Kyle Shanahan with a concussion and dozens of stitches to his face.
    — Ethan Varian, Mercury News, 24 Aug. 2026
  • The bandages, cuts and stitches were still fresh from the terrifying attack on Jones Street on Wednesday evening.
    — Tammy Mutasa, CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of stitch
Noun
  • Travelers leaving Ceuta and Melilla, Spain’s other territory in North Africa, are subject to exit checks at ports and airports, an obstacle for migrants who enter the territories illegally and hope to reach the European continent.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 20 Aug. 2026
  • The design is meant to move around any obstacles, including the free weights collection near your pilates mat, meaning no more sweaty spots in your home gym.
    — Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of obstacle
Verb
  • Kupor, head of the government’s chief human resources agency since July 2025, has publicly argued even jobs conducive to remote work can be impeded by working from home.
    — Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Carly Simon, whose recent Parkinson’s diagnosis didn’t impede her from releasing her first album in 18 years, Comes in Waves, has seemingly dedicated a song to her ex-husband, James Taylor.
    — Devon Ivie, Vulture, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of impede
Noun
  • Further disruption could weaken the rial, push inflation toward triple digits, and deepen an economic contraction currently estimated at 5%, a former Iranian central bank adviser told CNBC.
    — semafor.com, semafor.com, 20 Aug. 2026
  • The index measures the percentage difference between companies reporting expansion against contraction.
    — Sean Conlon,Joseph Wilkins,Justina Lee,Fred Imbert, CNBC, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of contraction
Noun
  • An open field across from the Dean and Barbara White Southlake YMCA could potentially be the site of Crown Point’s first pet adoption and resource center but multiple hurdles still remain.
    — Anna Ortiz, Chicago Tribune, 23 Aug. 2026
  • The organizations, specialists and larger coalition of the willing have to contend with these hurdles.
    — Jamil Wyne, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of hurdle
Verb
  • Moser's mother, Rachel Moser, was charged with hindering the apprehension of a fugitive, tampering with evidence, and related charges.
    — Michael Guise, CBS News, 21 Aug. 2026
  • The administration’s postponement of a Food and Drug Administration rule hampered the food safety system, which hindered a response to the outbreak.
    — Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of hinder
Noun
  • If not properly administered and monitored, an unsafe amount of potassium entering the body can lead to cardiac arrhythmia, kidney dysfunction, muscle weakness or spasms, metabolic disturbances or death, according to Ameri Pharma.
    — Bailey Richards, PEOPLE, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Stiff-person syndrome’s most common symptoms include muscle stiffness and painful spasms that can lead to secondary effects, like unsteady gait, double vision, and slurred speech, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine.
    — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of spasm
Noun
  • My guess is the players might work a little harder to entertain the fans instead of turning what should have been a showcase event into the embarrassment that was this year’s All-Star Weekend.
    — Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 23 Aug. 2026
  • And with many of these videos racking up millions of views, the ensuing embarrassment for the unwitting subjects can be palpable.
    — David Mack, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of embarrassment

Phrases Containing cramp

Browse Nearby Words

cramming
cramp
cramped
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Cite this Entry

“Cramp.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cramp. Accessed 28 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on cramp

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cramp

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