Definitions

winced

[winst] / wɪnst /

VERB

draw back

Synonyms

STRONGEST

back off blanch cower cringe flinch grimace recoil

STRONG

blench dodge duck jib quail shrink shy start swerve turn

WEAK

make a face

Antonyms

STRONGEST

face meet

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.

Figueroa winced, smiled and fired back to the body.

From BBC • Feb. 7, 2026

The ensuing sound of the collision's initial impact was so loud that jurors winced after being warned to decrease the volume on their listening devices.

From Barron's • Feb. 2, 2026

Like many, I’ve previously winced at hop-on, hop-off city bus tours, but around $29 for a 60-minute ride seemed worth it to get the lay of the land in this densely populated place.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 10, 2026

She savored the change but winced at the cause.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 28, 2025

I winced at the reminder that most of this was my fault.

From "Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky" by Kwame Mbalia