squirm
6 synonyms for squirm, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To twist and wriggle the body, like a worm or snake.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. verb
To twist and wriggle the body, like a worm or snake.
“The toddler squirmed on her mother's lap.”
How to use squirm
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
squirm with embarrassment
squirm out of
Etymology
First recorded in the 1690s, originally describing eels; the deeper origin is uncertain.
Full origin of squirm →Frequently asked questions
What does “squirm” mean?
The word “squirm” means to twist and wriggle the body, like a worm or snake. In plain terms, to wriggle physically, or to feel awkward and uncomfortable, especially when put on the spot.
How do you pronounce “squirm”?
“Squirm” is pronounced skwurm (/skwɝm/ in IPA).
How do you use “squirm” in a sentence?
Here is “squirm” used in a sentence: “The toddler squirmed on her mother's lap.”
What part of speech is “squirm”?
Depending on how it is used, “squirm” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “squirm” come from?
The word “squirm” dates back to around 1690. First recorded in the 1690s, originally describing eels; the deeper origin is uncertain.
How many meanings does “squirm” have?
“Squirm” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to twist and wriggle the body, like a worm or snake.
What does it mean when someone squirms?
Squirm covers two related ideas: a physical wriggling movement, the way a worm or a child in an uncomfortable chair moves, and a feeling of discomfort or embarrassment strong enough to make someone shift or fidget. "The kids squirmed during the long car ride" is the physical sense; "he squirmed under the tough questions" is the emotional one.
Is squirm a noun or a verb?
Both. As a verb it means to twist and wriggle, or to show discomfort ("stop squirming"). As a noun it names that movement itself ("gave a little squirm and broke free").
