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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for squiggling
Verb
-
His eye is twitching, just a little.—
Allegra Goodman,
New Yorker,
4 Jan. 2026 -
In a heartbreaking video, a partially paralyzed dog is caught twitching his paws in his sleep, and internet users can’t stop sobbing.—
Maria Azzurra Volpe,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 Nov. 2025
Verb
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No more scribbling names on napkins and losing them later.—
Noel Burgess,
Forbes.com,
22 Jan. 2026
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The flashy country singer had his suits with him in a dry cleaner’s bag and, when inspiration struck, Parton snatched the receipt from the bag and began scribbling.—
Joseph Hudak,
Rolling Stone,
19 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
There is another issue, of course, squirming away in the soft flesh of maternity leave.—
Nell Frizzell,
Vogue,
13 Jan. 2026
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An annual tradition in the legal circle, as well as his UCLA symposium sit-downs, the hourlong speech from the predominantly softspoken Ziffren clearly had a few attendees squirming in their seats near the end.—
Dominic Patten,
Deadline,
30 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The officers moved quickly, coordinating their response and getting the dog out of the icy water safely by tossing a rope around it and dragging it out of the pool.—
Josh Sanders,
CBS News,
22 Jan. 2026
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In just the past five months, Jones Dickson has dismissed charges against nine law enforcement officers in three separate criminal cases — most recently tossing the manslaughter case against former San Leandro police Officer Jason Fletcher in the 2020 fatal shooting of Steven Taylor.—
Jakob Rodgers,
Mercury News,
22 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The tear-jerking dramedy featured a breakthrough role for Emilia Jones, an Oscar-winning, scene-stealing turn by Troy Kotsur and a thoughtful narrative that took audiences into the personal lives of a deaf family with a single hearing member.—
Brian Truitt,
USA Today,
22 Jan. 2026
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That jerking motion, combined with detergent and water, loosens dirt from the surfaces of clothing.—
Mary Catherine McAnnally Scott,
Southern Living,
27 Dec. 2025
Verb
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Minimal but purposeful movement, avoiding fidgeting or excessive gestures, shows intention.—
Cheryl Robinson,
Forbes.com,
26 Jan. 2026
-
Cole, wearing a khaki jumpsuit, spent much of the hearing sitting quietly and attentively as the parties argued, occasionally adjusting his glasses or fidgeting slightly in his chair.—
Gary Grumbach,
NBC news,
30 Dec. 2025
Verb
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Or maybe you'll be best suited by the moody, rocky shores of Central and Northern Cali, landscapes of twisting cypress trees and foggy-grey skies.—
Alanna Bennett,
Condé Nast Traveler,
26 Jan. 2026
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To shovel safely, use ergonomic tools, take breaks, lift with your legs, and avoid twisting your body.—
Manahil Ahmad,
The Providence Journal,
25 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The high-protein hype has reached a fever pitch, and Parmesan cheese is wiggling its way into the cultural conversation.—
Michele Ross,
SELF,
20 Jan. 2026
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Laughing and wiggling her body, Fiona begins to roll over onto her stomach, ending up closer to Huckleberry.—
Hannah Sacks,
PEOPLE,
7 Jan. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Squiggling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/squiggling. Accessed 29 Jan. 2026.
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