winced
Showed sudden discomfort
Winced is the past tense of wince—to flinch or draw back slightly, usually in response to pain, discomfort, or something unpleasant.
The reaction is typically involuntary and visible: She winced when the needle went in, He winced at the memory of his mistake.
Wincing can be physical or emotional, but always suggests an instinctive recoil.
Involuntary retreat from threat
- grimaceTwisted expression of displeasure
- cringeShrink from discomfort
- recoilBackward force from discharge
- shudderConvulsive trembling from fear
twitch · jerk · shrink · squint · tense · blench · quail · writhe
Shrink from discomfort
- embarrassmentSelf-conscious unease
- shamePainful awareness of failure
- regretSorrow over past actions
- guiltMoral self-reproach
awkwardness · discomfort · mortification · humiliation · chagrin · remorse · secondhand · memory
Feeling others' emotions
- vicariousExperienced through another
- secondhandHaving had prior ownership
- compassionateShowing concern for sufferers
- fellow-feelingSympathetic emotional connection
mirror · shared · witness · observe · react · responsive · sensitive · cringe
Persistent dull discomfort
- throbBeat with intensity
- stingSharp wound from insect
- twingeBrief, sharp sensation
- smartingExperiencing sharp pain
soreness · tenderness · sharp · shooting · stabbing · burning · pang · jolt
Device providing structural stability
- dreadIntense anticipatory fear
- apprehensionNervous anticipation of trouble
- trepidationFearful uncertainty
- anxietyPersistent apprehensive distress
foreboding · expect · prepare · tense · steel · ready · await · incoming
flinch
Involuntary retreat from threat
- grimaceTwisted expression of displeasure
- cringeShrink from discomfort
- recoilBackward force from discharge
shudder · twitch · jerk · shrink · squint · tense · blench · quail · writhe · squirm
cringe
Shrink from discomfort
- embarrassmentSelf-conscious unease
- shamePainful awareness of failure
- regretSorrow over past actions
guilt · awkwardness · discomfort · mortification · humiliation · chagrin · remorse · secondhand · memory · blush
sympathetic
Feeling others' emotions
- vicariousExperienced through another
- secondhandHaving had prior ownership
- compassionateShowing concern for sufferers
fellow-feeling · mirror · shared · witness · observe · react · responsive · sensitive · cringe · felt
ache
Persistent dull discomfort
smarting · soreness · tenderness · sharp · shooting · stabbing · burning · pang · jolt · agony
brace
Device providing structural stability
- dreadIntense anticipatory fear
- apprehensionNervous anticipation of trouble
- trepidationFearful uncertainty
anxiety · foreboding · expect · prepare · tense · steel · ready · await · incoming · imminent