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.
"Every time I see it, I'm cringing, I'm in disbelief," he said.
From BBC ● Sep. 21, 2026
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
Even some liberal economists are cringing a bit.
From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 4, 2023
Reading through these items, I confess, I had a difficult time not cringing.
From Slate ● Dec. 1, 2023
Rage and cringing fear had created these monsters.
From "The Ear, the Eye, and the Arm" by Nancy Farmer
