FLINCH Synonyms: 71 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'flinch' distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of flinch are blench , quail , recoil , shrink , and wince . While all these words mean "to draw back in fear or distaste," flinch implies a failure to endure pain or face something dangerous or frightening with resolution. // faced her accusers without flinching

Q: When can 'blench' be used instead of 'flinch'?

While in some cases nearly identical to flinch , blench implies fainthearted flinching. // stood their ground without blenching

Q: When would 'quail' be a good substitute for 'flinch'?

The words quail and flinch are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, quail suggests shrinking and cowering in fear. // quailed before the apparition

Q: In what contexts can 'recoil' take the place of 'flinch'?

In some situations, the words recoil and flinch are roughly equivalent. However, recoil implies a start or movement away through shock, fear, or disgust. // recoiled at the suggestion of stealing

Q: When might 'shrink' be a better fit than 'flinch'?

While the synonyms shrink and flinch are close in meaning, shrink suggests an instinctive recoil through sensitiveness, scrupulousness, or cowardice. // shrank from the unpleasant truth

Q: When is 'wince' a more appropriate choice than 'flinch'?

Although the words wince and flinch have much in common, wince suggests a slight involuntary physical reaction (such as a start or recoiling). // winced in pain

flinch 1 of 2

verb

ˈflinch

Definition of flinch next

as in to wince

to draw back in fear, pain, or disgust there are some patients who flinch at the mere sight of a needle

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

flinch

2 of 2

noun

as in wince

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in recoil

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word flinch distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of flinch are blench, quail, recoil, shrink, and wince. While all these words mean "to draw back in fear or distaste," flinch implies a failure to endure pain or face something dangerous or frightening with resolution.

faced her accusers without flinching

When can blench be used instead of flinch?

While in some cases nearly identical to flinch, blench implies fainthearted flinching.

stood their ground without blenching

When would quail be a good substitute for flinch?

The words quail and flinch are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, quail suggests shrinking and cowering in fear.

quailed before the apparition

In what contexts can recoil take the place of flinch?

In some situations, the words recoil and flinch are roughly equivalent. However, recoil implies a start or movement away through shock, fear, or disgust.

recoiled at the suggestion of stealing

When might shrink be a better fit than flinch?

While the synonyms shrink and flinch are close in meaning, shrink suggests an instinctive recoil through sensitiveness, scrupulousness, or cowardice.

shrank from the unpleasant truth

When is wince a more appropriate choice than flinch?

Although the words wince and flinch have much in common, wince suggests a slight involuntary physical reaction (such as a start or recoiling).

winced in pain

Examples Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of flinch

Verb

The sports action is visceral and looks painfully real, the violent force of slams and flips likely causing many in the audience to flinch. —

David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 7 Sep. 2024 And then there are the stems by defensive linemen pre-snap, basically late movement at the line of scrimmage designed to get offensive linemen to flinch. —

Pete Sampson, The Athletic, 29 Aug. 2024 The sisters are thrilled the JP era is over, but still flinch anytime the doorbell rings. —

Caroline Framke, Vulture, 13 Nov. 2024 But when East discarded on the first trump, Cy flinched. —

Frank Stewart, The Mercury News, 3 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for flinch

Recent Examples of Synonyms for flinch

Verb

Eilish winced upon its impact, turning her head to show palpable disappointment.

Caroline Thayer, Fox News, 16 Dec. 2024
The two of them winced when a gunman raised his rifle with one hand into the air and let loose a salvo.

Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 9 Dec. 2024