1
2
as in to infiltrate
to introduce in a gradual, secret, or clever way
over a period of several years, the undercover agent was able to worm his way into the drug kingpin's confidence
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of worm
The pair share a complicated relationship from the early episodes of Season 1, where Sauron, disguised as a helpless traveler, wormed his way into her heart and good graces.
—
Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 8 May 2025
This process has been a bit of a slog, with Google's models improving slowly while simultaneously worming their way into many beloved products.
—ArsTechnica, 2 Apr. 2025
All the while, Xavier skulks along the margins of the play, worming his way closer to the actress by insinuating himself into the production.
—Joumana Khatib, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2025
At the same time, Waltz tried to flip the script and blame Goldberg -- suggesting the editor could have somehow wormed his way in to the group chat.
—Alexandra Hutzler, ABC News, 26 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for worm
Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 8 May 2025
This process has been a bit of a slog, with Google's models improving slowly while simultaneously worming their way into many beloved products.
—ArsTechnica, 2 Apr. 2025
All the while, Xavier skulks along the margins of the play, worming his way closer to the actress by insinuating himself into the production.
—Joumana Khatib, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2025
At the same time, Waltz tried to flip the script and blame Goldberg -- suggesting the editor could have somehow wormed his way in to the group chat.
—Alexandra Hutzler, ABC News, 26 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for worm
Recent Examples of Synonyms for worm
Verb
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If that’s not enough nature and distance from encroaching suburbia for you, a 1,000-acre preserve sits just to the west of the ranch.—
Tori Latham,
Robb Report,
17 June 2025
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Although no one was injured in this instance, earlier this week, a man was gored by a bison at the park after a group of tourists encroached on its space, as reported by The Associated Press.—
Emma Marsden,
MSNBC Newsweek,
13 June 2025
Verb
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Words change meaning over time, slang infiltrates the mainstream, and sometimes, a little creative license is acceptable.—
Jerry Weissman,
Forbes.com,
26 June 2025
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Such attacks have already infiltrated U.S. water and wastewater systems, according to the non-profit think tank Center for Internet Security, which briefed law enforcement on Friday.—
Pierre Thomas,
ABC News,
21 June 2025
Verb
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When his man left to protect the lane against Gilgeous-Alexander snaking back against the blitz, Williams would get the swing pass from his point guard and attack the rotated defense.—
Joe Vardon,
New York Times,
17 June 2025
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During the early years, the Pines might have been best known as the home to the Hollywood Sportatorium, where people stuck in a long line of cars snaked along a two-lane road to see rock concerts.—
Miami Herald Archives,
Miami Herald,
6 June 2025
Verb
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Bake in preheated oven until tomatoes burst and a thermometer inserted into thickest portion of thighs registers 165°F, about 45 minutes.—
Kimberly Holland,
Southern Living,
28 June 2025
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This might happen, for instance, if there is any bacteria on syringe needles inserted into a vial.—
Emily Kay Votruba,
EverydayHealth.com,
27 June 2025
Verb
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To make the stakes even higher, Player 39 crawls to the edge after the round ends.—
Jennifer Zhan,
Vulture,
27 June 2025
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The next day, at 9:10 p.m., Boelter crawled out of a wooded area and surrendered to law enforcement.—
N'dea Yancey-Bragg,
USA Today,
27 June 2025
Verb
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Cane then sneaks up from behind and kills Grady’s men, freeing his father.—
Keith Langston,
People.com,
21 June 2025
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Universal Studios Florida began its iteration of the attraction in 1990, SyFy noted, featuring, of course, a (mechanical) great white shark that snuck up on riders of the boat tour.—
Tim Lammers,
Forbes.com,
20 June 2025
Verb
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Soon, Kelli’s voice creeps up a few octaves after Brit calls her insecure, prompting her to lay the glam team drama on the table.—
Ile-Ife Okantah,
Vulture,
23 June 2025
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The Mets still have the best ERA in the majors at 3.08, but their month-by-month ERAs are creeping up — from 2.64 in March and April to 3.15 in May and 3.76 so far in June.—
Jerry Beach,
Forbes.com,
20 June 2025
Verb
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Her first exposure to stand-up was when, in eighth grade, a friend slipped her a Margaret Cho DVD during a church sermon.—
Rachel Brodsky,
Los Angeles Times,
26 June 2025
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Notifications ping, Slack channels light up, and deep work slips further away.—
Jodie Cook,
Forbes.com,
26 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Worm.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/worm. Accessed 6 Jul. 2025.
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