wincing
Recoiling from discomfort
Wincing is drawing back or flinching, usually in response to pain, discomfort, or something unpleasant.
The movement is quick and involuntary—a visible cringe: She kept wincing as the nurse cleaned the wound.
Wincing can also be a reaction to embarrassment or awkwardness: I'm still wincing at what I said to her.
Involuntary retreat from threat
- grimaceTwisted expression of displeasure
- cringeShrink from discomfort
- recoilBackward force from discharge
- shudderConvulsive trembling from fear
shrink · squint · twitch · flinching · squirm · blench · quail · startle
Brief, sharp sensation
- stingSharp wound from insect
- throbBeat with intensity
- achePersistent dull discomfort
- sharpFine-edged, or astute
soreness · tenderness · discomfort · smarting · pang · burning · rawness · sore
Shrink from discomfort
- uncomfortableCausing unease or distress
- awkwardLacking grace or ease
- squeamishEasily disgusted or nauseated
- secondhandHaving had prior ownership
mortified · uneasy · discomfort · regret · shame · embarrassed · cringeworthy · painful
flinch
Involuntary retreat from threat
- grimaceTwisted expression of displeasure
- cringeShrink from discomfort
- recoilBackward force from discharge
shudder · shrink · squint · twitch · flinching · squirm · blench · quail · startle · jerk
twinge
Brief, sharp sensation
sharp · soreness · tenderness · discomfort · smarting · pang · burning · rawness · sore · stinging
cringe
Shrink from discomfort
- uncomfortableCausing unease or distress
- awkwardLacking grace or ease
- squeamishEasily disgusted or nauseated
secondhand · mortified · uneasy · discomfort · regret · shame · embarrassed · cringeworthy · painful · humiliation
- defensive gesturesflinching, cowering, cringing, ducking, recoiling
- awkward momentsoops, cringe, embarrassment, yikes, awkward
- body responsesfight, flight, shivering, freeze, goosebumps
- disgustdisgust, disgusting, disgusted, revulsion, repulsion
- facial expressionssmiling, smile, grin, grinning, frown
- reactionsreaction, response, gasp, flinch, startle
wincingunflinching
Refusing to show fear
stoic · impassive · unwavering · steely · unblinking