squirm

verb

ˈskwərm 

squirmed; squirming; squirms

intransitive verb

: to twist about like a worm : fidget

squirm noun

squirmy

ˈskwər-mē 

adjective

Synonyms of squirm

• fidget
• twitch
• toss
• jerk
• wiggle
• writhe
• tremble
• twist
• shiver

Examples of squirm in a Sentence

The baby squirmed a lot when I tried to hold him.

She squirmed under her father's angry stare.

The children squirmed with delight.

He tried to hold onto her but she squirmed free.

The frog squirmed out of his hands.

The gory details of the story had me squirming in my seat.

Recent Examples on the Web

Its defenders will have to do better than making Infantino squirm. — Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 1 Aug. 2026

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

But the real pleasure is the 303 basslines that squirm in between the drums, coating the soundscapes of the tracks in grime and noxious soot. — Andrew Ryce, Pitchfork, 1 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

origin unknown

First Known Use

circa 1691, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for squirm

• berm
• ferm
• firm
• germ
• herm
• sperm
• term
• therm
• worm
• wurm
• affirm
• bookworm

Kids Definition

squirm

verb

ˈskwərm 

1

: to twist about like an eel or a worm

squirmed in their seats

2

: to feel very embarrassed

undeserved praise made us squirm

squirmy

ˈskwər-mē 

adjective