Find Synonyms

thumbscrew Synonyms

Another word for thumbscrew

Choosing another word for thumbscrew depends on context, so the synonyms and similar words below are separated across 3 exact definitions and ranked by match strength.
JUMP TO:

• noun (Context 1)

A screw with a flattened, winged, or knurled head designed to be turned by hand using the thumb and forefinger without a screwdriver.

Usage Example

"You can easily remove the side panel of the computer case by loosening the two thumbscrews at the back."

Strong
wing screw

• noun (Context 2)

A historical instrument of torture consisting of a vice that progressively crushes the thumbs or fingers as a screw is tightened.

Usage Example

"The museum exhibit on seventeenth-century justice displayed an iron pilliewink alongside other historical artifacts."

Strong
pilliewink

• verb (Context 3)

To subject someone to severe pressure, coercion, or torture with a thumbscrew.

Usage Example

"Creditors threatened to coerce the struggling company into accepting unfavorable repayment terms."

Strong
coerce
strong-arm
pressurize
Weak
browbeat

• Nearby Words

thumbnail
thumbpad
thumbprint
thumbscrew
thumbstick
thumbtack
thump

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Synonyms for Thumbscrew. In Wordmom Thesaurus. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/synonyms/thumbscrew
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.