wince
6
5.3
- noun
- /wɪns/
:
mueca
- I could see a wince on her face as the doctor tightened the bandage.
Examples
-
After the initial wince from the brightness, he grabbed the stationery marked, "From the Brain of Sam."
Fiction book (2000) -
The kicks alone were enough to earn a wince, but Ryder battled back.
Blog text (16) -
After a minute, she felt a tiny wince of cold on the back of her middle finger.
Fiction book (1995) -
The slow, careful moves, the wince as he looked up: Hwyllum's back was acting up again.
Fiction book (1993) -
Karen forces herself to look at it and winces, shielding her eyes.
Fiction book (1998) -
And then her teeth scraped iron, rust, and the wince lasted a full minute.
Fiction book (1996) -
Rebecca paused long enough to taste the steaming tea, wince, then add a drop of cream.
Fiction book (1992) -
Egan glared scornfully at her and turned the machine off himself with a wince.
Fiction book (2002) -
Gould glances at Devery and the Mayor, speaks into Pulitzer's ear, making Pulitzer wince.
Fiction book (1992) -
His face showed a wince when he accidentally touched the hot stove.
Synonyms
24
1.8
A look or movement on the face that shows feelings
5
4.8
A quick, small movement back because of pain, fear or surprise
3
9.9
A fixed face that shows the teeth because of pain, fear, or a strong feeling
A face that shows discomfort or dislike
Antonyms
How Pained
1
7.1
6
5.3
Surface Forms
Etymology
Wince comes from an old word meaning 'to close the eyes', like the simple word wink, so picture someone quickly shutting their eyes and pulling back at a sudden pain. So, a wince is that short, instinctive face or movement that shows pain or discomfort.