winceworthy
Makes you flinch
Winceworthy describes something that makes you wince—cringe-inducing, painfully awkward, or hard to watch.
The word applies to embarrassing social moments, bad jokes, or physical mishaps that trigger sympathetic discomfort: The best man's speech was absolutely winceworthy.
That pratfall looked winceworthy.
Causing hurt or ache
- achePersistent dull discomfort
- stingSharp wound from insect
- crampPainful muscle seizure
- twingeBrief, sharp sensation
pang · throb · flinch · recoil · grimace · shudder · squirm · cringe
Inducing secondhand embarrassment
- embarrassingCausing awkward self-consciousness
- awkwardLacking grace or ease
- uncomfortableCausing unease or distress
- mortifyingCausing acute embarrassment
facepalm · blunder · misstep · gaffe · tactless · tone-deaf · clumsy · bumbling
Disturbingly incongruous
- unsettlingCausing unease or discomfort
- disturbingCausing mental unease
- discomfitingCausing embarrassment or unease
- off-puttingCausing mild aversion
upsetting · startling · appalling · tasteless · offensive · insensitive · inappropriate · regrettable
painful
Causing hurt or ache
twinge · pang · throb · flinch · recoil · grimace · shudder · squirm · cringe · eye-watering
cringeworthy
Inducing secondhand embarrassment
- embarrassingCausing awkward self-consciousness
- awkwardLacking grace or ease
- uncomfortableCausing unease or distress
mortifying · facepalm · blunder · misstep · gaffe · tactless · tone-deaf · clumsy · bumbling · fumbling
jarring
Disturbingly incongruous
- unsettlingCausing unease or discomfort
- disturbingCausing mental unease
- discomfitingCausing embarrassment or unease
off-putting · upsetting · startling · appalling · tasteless · offensive · insensitive · inappropriate · regrettable · ill-advised
winceworthypraiseworthy
Deserving approval or admiration
delightful · admirable · heartwarming · laudable · commendable
winceworthypraiseworthy
Deserving approval or admiration
admirable · commendable · laudable · creditable · impressive