winces
Shrinks from pain
Winces is the third-person singular form of wince—to flinch or shrink back involuntarily, usually from pain or discomfort.
The reaction can be physical or emotional: She winces every time the needle goes in, He winces at the memory of his failed proposal.
A wince is smaller than a cringe, often just a tightening of facial muscles.
Twisted expression of displeasure
- flinchInvoluntary retreat from threat
- cringeShrink from discomfort
- recoilBackward force from discharge
- twitchInvoluntary muscular jerk
shudder · squirm · contortion · throb · sting · ache · tenderness · soreness
Backward force from discharge
- shrinkDecrease in size
- disgustIntense physical aversion
- revulsionIntense physical disgust
- distasteMild aversion or dislike
repugnance · nausea · loathing · repulsion · grimace · cringe · offensive · visceral
Shrink from discomfort
- shrinkDecrease in size
- recoilBackward force from discharge
- squirmTwist from discomfort
- embarrassmentSelf-conscious unease
shame · humiliation · awkwardness · discomfort · secondhand · vicarious · memory · regret
Involuntary retreat from threat
- jerkAbrupt pulling motion
- joltAbrupt forceful shake
- twitchInvoluntary muscular jerk
- recoilBackward force from discharge
jump · start · reflex · sudden · unexpected · sharp · loud · noise
Involuntary retreat from threat
- braceDevice providing structural stability
- tenseStrained or nervous
- dreadIntense anticipatory fear
- apprehensionNervous anticipation of trouble
expectation · foreboding · anxiety · nervousness · awaiting · impending · preparing · steeling
grimace
Twisted expression of displeasure
- flinchInvoluntary retreat from threat
- cringeShrink from discomfort
- recoilBackward force from discharge
twitch · shudder · squirm · contortion · throb · sting · ache · tenderness · soreness · sharp
recoil
Backward force from discharge
distaste · repugnance · nausea · loathing · repulsion · grimace · cringe · offensive · visceral · involuntary
cringe
Shrink from discomfort
embarrassment · shame · humiliation · awkwardness · discomfort · secondhand · vicarious · memory · regret · guilt
flinch
Involuntary retreat from threat
recoil · jump · start · reflex · sudden · unexpected · sharp · loud · noise · involuntary
flinch
Involuntary retreat from threat
apprehension · expectation · foreboding · anxiety · nervousness · awaiting · impending · preparing · steeling · bracing
- fluctuationsfluctuations, oscillations, variations, swings, waves
wincesholds steady