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

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

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 20, 2026

When I contemplate it, I think about the mothers at my son’s preschool, people I work with, wealthier friends, and wonder if they would find requests for money to be cringe.

From Slate • Feb. 19, 2026

When you’re at the top, as Charli XCX was a year and a half ago at the peak of “brat summer,” the only path ahead is a tightrope between cool and cringe.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 30, 2026

Seeing his IOI employee number above Shoto’s name made me cringe.

From "Ready Player One: A Novel" by Ernest Cline