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.
Figueroa winced, smiled and fired back to the body.
From BBC • Feb. 7, 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
Like many, I’ve previously winced at hop-on, hop-off city bus tours, but around $29 for a 60-minute ride seemed worth it to get the lay of the land in this densely populated place.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 10, 2026
When asked how he would define his career at this juncture, Bacon winced a little bit, saying it isn’t something he does too often.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2025
As soon as he was inside, Ekon winced.
From "Beasts of Prey" by Ayana Gray
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.
