100 entries under recoil topic. ×

3
crawl(verb, shrink, quiver, wince)
3
fawn(verb, hide, tremble, shrink)
3
hang back(verb, expression, phrasal verb, avoidance)
3
pull back(verb, expression, withdraw, retreat, dodge)
2
be startled
2
demur(verb, withdraw, refuse, resist, retreat)
2
grovel(verb, hide, tremble, shrink)
2
jerk(noun, verb, withdraw, retreat, shy)
2
kick(verb, withdraw, retreat, dodge, hesitate)
2
quake(verb, withdraw, retreat, shake, dodge)
2
rebound(verb, start, withdraw, retreat, dodge)
2
reel(verb, withdraw, retreat, dodge, hesitate)
2
resile(verb, withdraw, retreat, dodge, hesitate)
2
scruple(verb, cringe)
2
shudder(noun, verb, worry, withdraw, avoid)
2
shy away(verb, expression, phrasal verb, start, withdraw)
2
skulk(verb, hide, fear, tremble)
2
slink(verb, cringe, cowardice)
2
startle(verb, start, shy, jump)
2
step back(verb, expression, phrasal verb, withdraw, retreat)
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APASmart Define. (2015). flinch thesaurus. Retrieved September 29, 2026, from https://smartdefine.org/flinch/thesaurus/synonyms
ChicagoSmart Define. 2015. "flinch thesaurus" https://smartdefine.org/flinch/thesaurus/synonyms (accessed September 29, 2026).
HarvardSmart Define 2015, flinch thesaurus, Smart Define, viewed 29 September, 2026, <https://smartdefine.org/flinch/thesaurus/synonyms>.
MLASmart Define. "flinch thesaurus" 10 April 2015. Web. 29 September 2026. <https://smartdefine.org/flinch/thesaurus/synonyms>