Meaning

A sudden movement or gesture of shrinking away..

Definitions by Sense

1. A sudden movement or gesture of shrinking away.
2. A reel used in dyeing, steeping, or washing cloth; a winch. It is placed over the division wall between two wince pits so as to allow the cloth to descend into either compartment at will.
3. (intransitive) To flinch as if in pain or distress.
4. (transitive) To wash (cloth), dip it in dye, etc., with the use of a wince.
5. To kick or flounce when unsteady or impatient.

Example Sentences

I will not stir, nor wince, nor speak a word.

“Perhaps it is because I have been excommunicated. It's absurd, but I feel like the Jackdaw of Rheims.” ¶ She winced and bowed her head. Each time that he spoke flippantly of the Church he caused her pain.

The two Gordon setters came obediently to heel. Sir Oswald Feiling winced as he turned to go home. He had felt a warning twinge of lumbago.

A horse winces.

Word Forms

• winces
• wincing
• winced

Synonyms for wince

Related Words

When Should You Use Wince?

Use wince when its meaning, tone and grammar fit the full sentence. A synonym is not always a direct replacement.

Practice This Word

Frequently Asked Questions