cringing

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Anyone beyond the land of candlepin bowling and cringing at red clam chowder thought they had a better shot at finishing at the bottom of the standings than reaching the Super Bowl.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 26, 2026

These lies are so dumb and easy to disprove that the onetime criminal defense attorney in me is cringing.

From Slate • Aug. 16, 2024

But, while feeling less alone with your Face Hate might take the edge off, you still may be cringing at your reflection.

From Los Angeles Times • May 22, 2023

Fortunately, the class had generated enough trust that we could express ourselves freely: cringing at some passages and laughing at others, agreeing on the book’s importance while allowing for divergent assessments of its literary merit.

From New York Times • Mar. 3, 2023

She still doesn’t speak, cringing every time Rolf stomps through the house in his shiny boots.

From "The Light in Hidden Places" by Sharon Cameron