Recoil in distaste is commonly used to describe the act of violently and instinctively pulling back from something that seems repulsive or unpleasant. Some common synonyms for this phrase include flinch, shrink away, cringe, wince, and shudder. Each of these words conveys a sense of revulsion and deep discomfort that causes a person to physically pull away from something that is distasteful. Other possible synonyms might include balk, blanch, or grimace, all of which suggest a strong unwillingness to engage with something that is upsetting or unappealing. Regardless of the specific synonym chosen, each word conveys a strong emotional response to something that is deeply disturbing.