flinch
7 synonyms and 0 antonyms for flinch, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To make a sudden, involuntary movement away from something painful, frightening, or unpleasant.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use flinch
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Middle French flenchir ("to bend"), of Germanic origin.
Full origin of flinch →Frequently asked questions
What does “flinch” mean?
The word “flinch” means to make a sudden, involuntary movement away from something painful, frightening, or unpleasant. In plain terms, to pull back or wince, usually from pain, fear, or an unpleasant task — or to shy away from doing something difficult.
How do you pronounce “flinch”?
“Flinch” is pronounced FLIHNCH (/ˈflɪnt͡ʃ/ in IPA).
How do you use “flinch” in a sentence?
Here is “flinch” used in a sentence: “He didn't even flinch when the needle went in.”
What part of speech is “flinch”?
Depending on how it is used, “flinch” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “flinch” come from?
The word “flinch” comes from Middle French. From Middle French flenchir ("to bend"), of Germanic origin.
How many meanings does “flinch” have?
“Flinch” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to make a sudden, involuntary movement away from something painful, frightening, or unpleasant.