cringing Synonyms
Another word for cringing
• verb (Context 1)
To experience an inward shiver of acute embarrassment, awkwardness, or distaste (present participle of cringe).
"Everyone in the audience was wincing as the speaker forgot his lines and stumbled through the presentation."
• adjective (Context 2)
Experiencing or expressing acute embarrassment, awkwardness, or inward discomfort.
"She gave a wincing apology after realizing she had accidentally replied to the entire company."
• verb (Context 3)
To bend one's head and body in fear, apprehension, or servile submission (present participle of cringe).
"The stray dog was cowering in the corner of the shelter until the veterinarian gently offered it food."
• adjective (Context 4)
Behaving in an overly submissive, obsequious, or servile manner, often out of fear or a desire to curry favor.
"The tyrant surrounded himself with groveling courtiers who were too terrified to offer honest advice."
• noun (Context 5)
The act of shrinking back in fear, servility, or acute embarrassment.
"No amount of groveling or flattery could persuade the auditor to overlook the financial discrepancies."
Opposites of cringing
The opposite of cringing shifts depending on context. Common opposites include: