winced

[winst] / wɪnst /

VERB

draw back

Synonyms

STRONGEST

back off blanch cower cringe flinch grimace recoil

STRONG

blench dodge duck jib quail shrink shy start swerve turn

WEAK

make a face

Antonyms

STRONGEST

face meet

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.

Stepping into the arcade, he winced as he accidentally bumped into someone.

From Slate • Jun. 25, 2026

He winced at the idea that Abby would now be handed the keys.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 2026

The ensuing sound of the collision's initial impact was so loud that jurors winced after being warned to decrease the volume on their listening devices.

From Barron's • Feb. 2, 2026

After winning a 27-shot exchange at 4-4 0-30 down, Djokovic winced and gasped for air before bending over his towel box.

From BBC • Sep. 5, 2025

She winced and Jonathan saw that she was biting her lower lip to keep from crying out.

From "Earthquake Terror" by Peg Kehret