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Showing results for recoil. Search instead for recoile.
Definitions

recoil

[ri-koil, ree-koil, ri-koil] / rɪˈkɔɪl, ˈriˌkɔɪl, rɪˈkɔɪl /
VERB
shrink away
Synonyms
STRONGEST
backfire balk blanch blink cringe demur flinch hesitate reel shudder tremble turn away waver wince
STRONG
blench carom dodge duck falter jerk kick quail quake react rebound resile shake shirk shrink spring start stick stickle swerve withdraw
WEAK
draw back pull back shy away step back
Antonyms
STRONGEST
steady
STRONG
face meet remain stay

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.

He follows Britain's Keir Starmer, France's Emmanuel Macron and Canada's Mark Carney, as they recoil from the mercurial policies of Trump, who is also expected to visit from March 31.

From Barron's • Feb. 26, 2026

They also boost earnings per share and help propel stock prices, which is why many investors prize them and would recoil at the notion of government interference.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 19, 2026

Taken together, while the average person might recoil from this pic, it’s not damning of Kennedy’s dental hygiene.

From Slate • Jul. 15, 2025

It let out a deafening sound, and the recoil blew up leaves and dust from the ground.

From BBC • May 8, 2025

A flash of fire, a lurching recoil, and near the vessel, a mighty splash.

From "The Amber Spyglass" by Philip Pullman