What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
cramps
Example
I woke up with terrible leg cramps last night. [cramps: noun]
Example
She suffers from severe menstrual cramps every month. [cramps: noun]
spasm
Example
He had a back spasm while lifting weights at the gym. [spasm: noun]
Example
The patient experienced muscle spasms as a side effect of the medication. [spasms: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Cramps is a more common term used in everyday language, especially when referring to menstrual cramps or muscle cramps caused by exercise. Spasms is less common and often associated with medical conditions or injuries.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between cramps and spasm?
Both cramps and spasms are neutral terms and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
