cringe
verb (used without object)
to shrink back, bend, or crouch, especially in fear, pain, or servility; cower: They cringed and bowed before the king.
cringing
-
present participleof cringe.present participle
A verb form that is used in progressive verb constructions and may also function as a modifier or a gerund.
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
This show, starring Emma Stone and Nathan Fielder as a couple at the center of a home renovation reality series, has had us cringing all season, but we still can’t look away.
From New York Times ● Jan. 8, 2024
Reading through these items, I confess, I had a difficult time not cringing.
From Slate ● Dec. 1, 2023
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
“Is he going to die?” he forced himself to say, cringing at how shallow and empty it sounded.
From "The Maze Runner" by James Dashner
