What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
wincing
Example
She winced as the doctor gave her the injection. [winced: verb]
Example
He couldn't help but wince at the sound of the chalkboard screeching. [wince: noun]
grimacing
Example
She was grimacing in pain after twisting her ankle. [grimacing: verb]
Example
His grimace showed his displeasure with the taste of the food. [grimace: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Grimacing is less common than wincing in everyday language. Wincing is a more versatile term that can be used in various contexts, while grimacing is more specific and often used in medical or technical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between wincing and grimacing?
Both wincing and grimacing are informal terms that can be used in casual conversations. However, grimacing may be perceived as more technical or specialized due to its association with medical terminology.
