writhe
5 synonyms for writhe, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To twist the body sharply, especially in pain or extreme discomfort.
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.
How to use writhe
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
writhe in pain
writhe in agony
Etymology
From Old English wrīþan, "to twist or turn" — a close relative of "wreathe" and "wrist".
Full origin of writhe →Frequently asked questions
What does “writhe” mean?
The word “writhe” means to twist the body sharply, especially in pain or extreme discomfort. In plain terms, to twist your body violently, usually because you're in pain.
How do you pronounce “writhe”?
“Writhe” is pronounced ryth (/ɹaɪð/ in IPA).
How do you use “writhe” in a sentence?
Here is “writhe” used in a sentence: “He writhed in agony after twisting his ankle.”
What part of speech is “writhe”?
“Writhe” is a verb.
Where does the word “writhe” come from?
The word “writhe” comes from Old English. From Old English wrīþan, "to twist or turn" — a close relative of "wreathe" and "wrist".
