1
as in twitching
to make jerky or restless movements
a pediatrician's waiting room full of squiggling toddlers
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in scribbling
to write or draw hastily or carelessly
there are some illegible notes squiggled in the margins of the old book
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of squiggling
The salamanders are still squiggling commas inside them.
—
Nathan Rott, NPR, 27 May 2026
Nathan Rott, NPR, 27 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for squiggling
Verb
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Here, American fighter planes, cargo ships and Japanese freighters have spent decades transforming into thriving artificial reefs, draped in coral and surrounded by twitching clouds of tropical fish.—
Dea Jusufi,
Forbes.com,
9 May 2026
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Curry’s body began convulsing and twitching with increasing severity, consistent with him sustaining a traumatic brain injury from being punched in the face, documents state.—
Deborah Laverty,
Chicago Tribune,
29 Mar. 2026
Verb
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This group – which included women with graying hair and comfortable OnCloud running shoes, a doctoral student scribbling in a tiny notebook and men wearing office casual chinos – were talking death over tea and vegan strawberry cookies in a gathering commonly called a Death Cafe.—
Jen Christensen,
CNN Money,
1 May 2026
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As anachronisms constantly threaten to puncture the illusion, the cast stays wry, nimble and self-conscious in order to locate plot points and jokes that reinforce the golden-age radio setting, scribbling notes and introducing characters that propel them through ludicrous narrative arcs.—
John Wenzel,
Denver Post,
23 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Unless your companion could use a hand or is traveling with young kids (in the latter case, if this person also happens to be your spouse or partner, really not cool to leave them with the stroller, diaper bag, squirming kids).—
CNT Editors,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 June 2026
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The player who was hit by the cart immediately grabbed his thigh and knee area while squirming in pain on the ground.—
Mark Harris OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
1 June 2026
Verb
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The video appears to show a person standing with a snow shovel outside the house, near the street, then retreating toward the house and tossing the shovel into the yard.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
29 May 2026
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Toast 1 cup raw walnuts on a rimmed baking sheet, tossing halfway through, until golden brown, 8–10 minutes.—
Kamal Mouzawak,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
28 May 2026
Verb
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According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms of seizures can include short-term confusion, staring spells, stiff muscles and jerking movements of the arms and legs.—
Jordan Greene,
PEOPLE,
15 May 2026
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Avoid jerking the floss or aggressive movements; instead, use smooth, gentle motions.—
Sherri Gordon,
Health,
12 May 2026
Verb
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Pekara said hospital surveillance footage captured him fidgeting under the blanket.—
Caroline Kubzansky,
Chicago Tribune,
30 Apr. 2026
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As the court moved to watch the KSTU-TV segment, Tyler Robinson appeared to begin fidgeting, with one of his hands moving and rubbing his fingers back and forth.—
Stepheny Price , Sarah Rumpf-Whitten , Michael Ruiz,
FOXNews.com,
17 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Alex Edwards kneeled on the carpet to calm down Zuri Kafuko, 3, by twisting part of her hair back in place.—
William J. Ford,
Baltimore Sun,
25 May 2026
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Press straight down to cut the dough, without twisting the cutter, to keep the layers intact.—
Terrence Hayes,
Southern Living,
19 May 2026
Verb
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The dancing and wiggling Mini Pi Plus robot from High Torque of China, for instance, still can’t help at an auto plant or do your dishes.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
28 May 2026
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Spencer took out his phone and played a recording of his daughter telling the wiggling story.—
John Kenney,
New Yorker,
2 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Squiggling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/squiggling. Accessed 4 Jun. 2026.
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