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recoil

[ri-koil, ree-koil, ri-koil] / rɪˈkɔɪl, ˈriˌkɔɪl, rɪˈkɔɪl /


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.

“The mistake was natural, for most men recoil from war and the danger it entails. Washington was one who didn’t. He was part of the small class who find war invigorating and seductive.”

From The Wall Street Journal • May 22, 2026

Kieran Trippier was the only player to visibly recoil before the substitute grabbed the ball and beckoned his dazed team-mates forward in an attempt to quickly get the game back under way.

From BBC • Apr. 25, 2026

He follows Britain's Keir Starmer, France's Emmanuel Macron and Canada's Mark Carney, as they recoil from the mercurial policies of Trump, who is also expected to visit from March 31.

From Barron's • Feb. 26, 2026

We may all recoil in horror at “Mar-a-Lago face”—and you might be rolling your eyes at my foray into the world of butt-crack straightening.

From Slate • Feb. 22, 2026

I think I might visibly recoil every time someone says her name.

From "I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter" by Erika L. Sánchez




Vocabulary lists containing recoil


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