cringeworthy
adjective
cringe·wor·thy
ˈkrinj-ˌwər-t͟hē 
: so embarrassing, awkward, or upsetting as to cause one to cringe
a cringeworthy performance
Examples of cringeworthy in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Others produce viral moments — funny, cringeworthy or undeniably tense — and endure across social media.
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ABC News, 24 Apr. 2026
Mostly, the production relies on verbal repartee and situational humor, such as the cringeworthy offstage liaison between Margot and Victor in the first act.
—Emily McClanathan, Chicago Tribune, 17 Apr. 2026
There being fewer cringeworthy moments in press conferences is nice for me and my media brethren.
—Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Mar. 2026
Farewell tours can be cringeworthy.
—Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 25 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for cringeworthy
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ABC News, 24 Apr. 2026
Mostly, the production relies on verbal repartee and situational humor, such as the cringeworthy offstage liaison between Margot and Victor in the first act.
—Emily McClanathan, Chicago Tribune, 17 Apr. 2026
There being fewer cringeworthy moments in press conferences is nice for me and my media brethren.
—Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Mar. 2026
Farewell tours can be cringeworthy.
—Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 25 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for cringeworthy
Cite this Entry
“Cringeworthy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cringeworthy. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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