Use wince for a quick reaction that happens without intention, often with at before the cause.
Use wince for a quick reaction that happens without intention, often with at before the cause.
| Incorrect | Correct |
| He winceded at the joke. | He winced at the joke. |
| She winces the pain. | She winces at the pain. |
| I winced the idea of eating insects. | I winced at the idea of eating insects. |
| He winced the door open. | He pushed the door open. |
Use wince as a noun for the visible reaction itself, often after a, small, quick, or slight.
| Incorrect | Correct |
| He had a wince in his knee. | He had a pain in his knee. |
| She made wince. | She gave a wince. |
| The wince was bleeding. | The cut was bleeding. |
| A wince smiled across his face. | A wince crossed his face. |
Choose wince for a brief involuntary reaction, not for a deliberate movement or general fear.
Wince the pain should be wince at the pain, because wince normally does not take a direct object.
From Anglo-French wenchir and Old French wencier, ultimately of Germanic origin.
What does wince mean?
Wince means to flinch or make a brief grimace because of pain, disgust, embarrassment, or distress.
Can wince be a noun?
Yes. A wince is the brief grimace or flinch itself.
What preposition follows wince?
Wince is often followed by at, as in wince at the comment or wince at the pain.
What is the difference between wince and flinch?
Wince often shows pain or emotional discomfort, while flinch can be any quick movement away from a sudden threat.
Is wince deliberate?
No. Wince usually describes an involuntary reaction.
What is the past tense of wince?
The past tense is winced.
Where does wince come from?
Wince comes from Anglo-French wenchir and Old French wencier.
Can wince describe embarrassment?
Yes. People can wince at an awkward comment, a bad joke, or an embarrassing memory.