Pursed is a verb that describes a certain type of action that someone may do with their lips, often in response to discomfort or stress. This action involves pressing the lips together in a tight, puckered shape, often accompanied by a deep exhale. Synonyms for the word "pursed" might include words like "pinched," "compressed," "folded," or "tightened." Other similar actions might be described using words like "grimaced," "squeezed," or "crinkled." Each of these words could be used to describe a similar physical action, but they may carry slightly different connotations or suggest different levels of intensity or discomfort.