cringe

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.

A long-standing critic said "it is better to cringe and do a U-turn than do the wrong thing".

From BBC • Mar. 19, 2026

When other politicians try to respond to Trump in kind, they often come across as a bit try-hard, a lot cringe.

From Slate • Mar. 3, 2026

Oftentimes, when we cringe after an overshare, the other person is grateful to have been trusted.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 20, 2026

There are high school basketball players, and even parents, who cringe when a coach says, “You’re playing with the junior varsity.”

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 18, 2026

Trying not to cringe, I watch as she skips through the exit, weaving in and out of after-school traffic.

From "Dumplin'" by Julie Murphy