twitches 1 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of twitch
1
as in fidgets
to make jerky or restless movements the dog twitched in her sleep

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in jerks
to move or cause to move with a sharp quick motion the rabbit twitched its nose

Synonyms & Similar Words

twitches

2 of 2

noun

plural of twitch
1
as in contractions

Related Words
2
as in tremors

Related Words

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of twitches
Verb
Persistent muscle twitches Everyone’s muscles twitch from time to time, usually at various locations. — Angela Haupt, Time, 15 Jan. 2026 Some devices, for example, track eye movements or other small muscle twitches to let users select words from a screen. — Emma R. Hasson, Scientific American, 14 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for twitches
  1. fidgets
  2. jerks
  3. pangs
  4. tremors
  5. squirms
  6. yanks
  7. stitches
  8. shakes
Verb
  • The man fidgets, shifts around in his seat and fixates on Zarutska before pulling out a small knife and striking her multiple times around her neck.
    — Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 8 Sep. 2025
Definition of fidgets
Verb
  • In a viral video of the aftermath, the robot jerks back and forth to shake the glass off, showering yet more dangerous shards onto the sidewalk.
    — Frank Landymore, Futurism, 26 Mar. 2026
  • Ross’s video does not show if the SUV made contact with him, as the camera angle jerks up to the sky.
    — Danya Gainor, CNN Money, 12 Jan. 2026
Definition of jerks
Noun
  • Agarwal is, like a lot of teenagers, feeling the pangs of a life less traveled, IRL.
    — Gili Malinsky, CNBC, 15 Sep. 2026
  • Statements by government lawyers that contradict the official White House line are not merely the results of pangs of conscience.
    — David A. Graham, The Atlantic, 28 July 2026
Definition of pangs
Noun
  • Parkinson’s is often marked by tremors, slow or impaired movement, tenseness or rigidity and difficulty balancing, as well as speech changes and loss of automatic motor functions like blinking or smiling, according to Mayo Clinic.
    — Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 17 Sep. 2026
  • Parkinson’s disease is a condition characterized by tremors, muscle rigidity, and problems with balance.
    — Mike McRae September 10, New Atlas, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of tremors
Verb
  • 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
  • When Brian and Murtagh report that Dougal offended the Grants and Colum had to promise Ellen’s hand to appease the situation, Lord Lovat squirms.
    — Lincee Ray Published, EW.com, 15 Aug. 2025
Definition of squirms
Verb
  • When that doesn’t work, Vicki yanks off her mic and retreats to her bedroom, leaving the others uncertain of what to do next.
    — Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Johnson yanks veterans' benefits package An effort to advance a package of VA benefits bills this morning on the House floor went down in flames – the latest in Speaker Mike Johnson's struggle to get Republicans on the same page.
    — Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 16 July 2026
Definition of yanks
Noun
  • The blow caused a minor skull fracture and a gash that required three stitches to close.
    — Roni Jacobson, New York Daily News, 25 Sep. 2026
  • The ball was also autographed by Happ, who left a third message between the red stitches.
    — Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 25 Sep. 2026
Definition of stitches
Noun
  • The menu also lists protein shakes, matcha, coffee and smoothies as well as acai bowls, sandwiches and breakfast bowls.
    — Emma Hall, Sacbee.com, 22 Sep. 2026
  • The Heat, which is hard-capped, added Nick Richards on a nonguaranteed deal but otherwise seems to be holding onto a spot in case something needle-moving shakes free on the buyout market in the months ahead.
    — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 17 Sep. 2026
Definition of shakes

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Cite this Entry

“Twitches.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/twitches. Accessed 4 Oct. 2026.

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