# wince

/ˈwɪns/ (US) · /wˈɪns/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/wince
Updated: 2026-10-18

## Definition

to twist your face or pull back suddenly because something hurts or feels bad. You do this when you feel pain, fear, or embarrassment.

For teachers: to recoil slightly or grimace involuntarily in response to pain, discomfort, or embarrassment.

## Examples

- She winces when the nurse cleans the cut.
- He winces at the loud noise from the construction site outside his window every morning.
- Even years later, she still winces remembering the harsh criticism she received during her first public performance.

## Usage notes

- The verb is intransitive and takes no object; often followed by 'at'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.