Synonyms of squirm

squirm 1 of 2

verb

ˈskwərm 

as in to fidget

to make jerky or restless movements

the toddler squirmed the whole time we were in the waiting room

Synonyms & Similar Words

• fidget
• twitch
• toss
• jerk
• wiggle
• writhe
• tremble
• twist
• shiver
• wriggle
• fiddle
• shake
• jiggle
• jig
• shudder
• thrash
• thresh
• quiver
• flutter
• squiggle
• flit
• quake
• pace
• twitter

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• relax
• rest
• unwind
• calm (down)
• still

squirm

2 of 2

noun

as in squirming

Related Words

• squirming
• writhing
• twitching
• wriggling
• fiddling
• fidgeting
• mobility
• motility
• locomotion
• flapping
• waving
• flailing
• motion
• dislocation
• relocation
• migration
• shifting
• motivity
• stirring
• move
• movement
• stir
• shift

Dissimilar Words

• immobility
• pause
• inertia
• stop
• motionlessness
• finish
• stillness
• termination
• halt
• expiration
• lapse
• shutdown
• ending
• stoppage
• cessation
• discontinuance
• inertness
• shutoff
• surcease

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of squirm

Verb

Last year, Evans told The Times that the interview format, with its squirm-inducing sauces, was a tactic to turn what might otherwise be a typical press tour interview into something raw and real. — Emily St. Martin, Los Angeles Times, 24 July 2026

The 420 Sport jostles and squirms on these surfaces at low speeds, but the payoff is unfiltered, no-nonsense feedback. — Tim Pitt, Robb Report, 22 July 2026

Noun

Visibly anxious and more than a little drunk, Emma proceeds to offer up a confession that marks the point of no return in writer-director Kristoffer Borgli’s divisive squirm comedy. — Megan McCluskey, Time, 3 Apr. 2026

Packed with numerous squirm-worthy scenes and strong commentary on impossible beauty standards, this film is best watched when the clock strikes midnight. — Kevin Jacobsen, Entertainment Weekly, 21 Feb. 2026