winced
Americanverb
Etymology
Origin of winced
First recorded in 1630–40; winc(e) 1 ( def. ) + -ed 1 ( def. ) for the past tense; winc(e) 1 ( def. ) + -ed 2 ( def. ) for the past participle
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 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
She savored the change but winced at the cause.
From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 28, 2025
“I’m just trying to play the game hard, take advantage of certain situations,” said Edman, who immediately winced in pain after rounding first base on a single in the fifth inning.
From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 3, 2025
When we asked about how young people feel about Americans, the minder winced visibly and tried to stop her answering.
From BBC • Apr. 29, 2025
Elliot winced at the words package deal, and I knew it was because I was part of that particular package.
From "Glitch" by Laura Martin
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
