cringe

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.

When a nameless secretary drops a sheaf of papers, Kornev’s response to help is instinctive, yet we cringe at the careless faux pas he commits in this unfeeling society.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 26, 2026

Despite my penchant for outer space films and my affinity for Gosling’s work, the millennial cringe of it all left a bitter taste in my mouth.

From Salon • Mar. 21, 2026

A long-standing critic said "it is better to cringe and do a U-turn than do the wrong thing".

From BBC • Mar. 19, 2026

Oftentimes, when we cringe after an overshare, the other person is grateful to have been trusted.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 20, 2026

I cringe inside, wondering if it sounded like I meant the circumstances were more upsetting to people than Tariq's actual death.

From "How It Went Down" by Kekla Magoon