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.
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
The Miami Heat guard’s knee injury suffered in 2023 when he slipped off the side of the Cleveland Cavaliers court haunted Doncic while he winced in pain near the Lakers bench.
From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 29, 2026
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
He winced with pain, and Irian moved closer to him, just in case.
From "Impossible Creatures" by Katherine Rundell
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.
