Find the word that fits

Wince: alternatives and connections

Begin with the reviewed alternatives, then explore broader connections without treating every related word as an automatic substitute.

Try an example: important law show help change happy
26,102 words currently have published synonym-style alternatives
90,593 searchable synonym connections
350,924 published thesaurus relationships of every type
Start with the meaning

Wince

To shrink, as from a blow, or from pain; to flinch; to start back.

47 useful connections shown 17 reviewed relationships and 30 broader connections.
Best place to begin

Reviewed alternatives and contrasts

These links were deliberately created. Use the interchangeability score and guidance to judge whether a word will work in your sentence.

Broader term 5

Grimace 76% connected

A distortion of the countenance, whether habitual, from affectation, or momentary aad occasional, to express some feeling, as contempt, disapprobatio…

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a broader lexical category for at least one sense.

Jump 76% connected

A kind of loose jacket for men.

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a broader lexical category for at least one sense.

Move 76% connected

To cause to change place or posture in any manner; to set in motion; to carry, convey, draw, or push from one place to another; to impel; to stir; as…

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a broader lexical category for at least one sense.

Start 76% connected

To leap; to jump.

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a broader lexical category for at least one sense.

Startle 76% connected

To move suddenly, or be excited, on feeling alarm; to start.

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a broader lexical category for at least one sense.

Manner of action 1

Retract 76% connected

To draw back; to draw up or shorten; as, the cat can retract its claws; to retract a muscle.

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related verb as a more specific manner of this action.

Derivationally related 4

Quail 74% connected

To die; to perish; hence, to wither; to fade.

oewn 2023 15% interchangeable

Open English WordNet records a derivational relationship between these word forms.

Quail 74% connected

To die; to perish; hence, to wither; to fade.

oewn 2023 15% interchangeable

Open English WordNet records a derivational relationship between these word forms.

Squinch 74% connected

A small arch thrown across the corner of a square room to support a superimposed mass, as where an octagonal spire or drum rests upon a square tower;…

oewn 2023 15% interchangeable

Open English WordNet records a derivational relationship between these word forms.

Squinch 74% connected

A small arch thrown across the corner of a square room to support a superimposed mass, as where an octagonal spire or drum rests upon a square tower;…

oewn 2023 15% interchangeable

Open English WordNet records a derivational relationship between these word forms.

Synonym 7

Cringe 92% connected

To draw one's self together as in fear or servility; to bend or crouch with base humility; to wince; hence; to make court in a degrading manner; to f…

oewn 2023 68% interchangeable

Open English WordNet places these words in at least one shared synset. They share a lexicalised sense, but context, register and collocation should still be checked before substitution.

Flinch 92% connected

To withdraw from any suffering or undertaking, from pain or danger; to fail in doing or perserving; to show signs of yielding or of suffering; to shr…

oewn 2023 68% interchangeable

Open English WordNet places these words in at least one shared synset. They share a lexicalised sense, but context, register and collocation should still be checked before substitution.

Funk 92% connected

An offensive smell; a stench.

oewn 2023 68% interchangeable

Open English WordNet places these words in at least one shared synset. They share a lexicalised sense, but context, register and collocation should still be checked before substitution.

Quail 92% connected

To die; to perish; hence, to wither; to fade.

oewn 2023 68% interchangeable

Open English WordNet places these words in at least one shared synset. They share a lexicalised sense, but context, register and collocation should still be checked before substitution.

Recoil 92% connected

To start, roll, bound, spring, or fall back; to take a reverse motion; to be driven or forced backward; to return.

oewn 2023 68% interchangeable

Open English WordNet places these words in at least one shared synset. They share a lexicalised sense, but context, register and collocation should still be checked before substitution.

Shrink 92% connected

To wrinkle, bend, or curl; to shrivel; hence, to contract into a less extent or compass; to gather together; to become compacted.

oewn 2023 68% interchangeable

Open English WordNet places these words in at least one shared synset. They share a lexicalised sense, but context, register and collocation should still be checked before substitution.

Squinch 92% connected

A small arch thrown across the corner of a square room to support a superimposed mass, as where an octagonal spire or drum rests upon a square tower;…

oewn 2023 68% interchangeable

Open English WordNet places these words in at least one shared synset. They share a lexicalised sense, but context, register and collocation should still be checked before substitution.

Explore further

Words connected by meaning

Their definitions overlap or refer to similar ideas. Use these to widen your search, then compare the exact meanings.