1
as in encroached
to advance gradually beyond the usual or desirable limits
neighborhoods worming into lands reserved for wildlife
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in infiltrated
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 wormed
The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills alum initially believed that the bug, which eluded detection and caused countless medical issues, wormed its way into her system while filming Bravo's The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip in Morocco in early 2023.
—
Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 19 Feb. 2026
We as a community contain (often brain-wormed) multitudes, as evidenced by this year’s plethora gay Halloween costumes.
—Abby Monteil, Them., 31 Oct. 2025
After a scramble from Baltimore’s corner kick, Kerr’s header at the back post wormed through a thicket of defenders, and Cuthbert had the final touch.
—Cerys Jones, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
This story has wormed its way into all levels of British cultural output.
—Will Collins, The Washington Examiner, 19 Sep. 2025
Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 19 Feb. 2026
We as a community contain (often brain-wormed) multitudes, as evidenced by this year’s plethora gay Halloween costumes.
—Abby Monteil, Them., 31 Oct. 2025
After a scramble from Baltimore’s corner kick, Kerr’s header at the back post wormed through a thicket of defenders, and Cuthbert had the final touch.
—Cerys Jones, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
This story has wormed its way into all levels of British cultural output.
—Will Collins, The Washington Examiner, 19 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wormed
Verb
-
On their endless search for nutrients, hyphae encroached into empty spaces.—
Quanta Magazine,
Quanta Magazine,
6 Apr. 2026
-
But ever since, the family has alleged individuals have encroached on their beach, forcing them to put up no trespassing signs and hire private security, according to a supplemental complaint filed by Brian against the Walton County Sheriff’s Office last year.—
Madison E. Goldberg,
PEOPLE,
3 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
It's been four years since Christine Marie and Tolga Katas infiltrated Samuel Bateman's polygamist sect while working on a documentary — a daring move that would eventually lead to his conviction.—
Emily Blackwood,
PEOPLE,
11 Apr. 2026
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Handala recently infiltrated a US medical equipment provider called Stryker, wiping thousands of IT systems and employee devices.—
Michael Kan,
PC Magazine,
7 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Stocks were lower Tuesday afternoon on the uncertain outlook for a deal, while oil prices crept higher, with West Texas Intermediate crude futures topping $117 per barrel at one point.—
Darla Mercado, CFP®,
CNBC,
7 Apr. 2026
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Then the shitposting and internet personas crept off the web and into the center of our politics.—
Antonia Hitchens,
New Yorker,
6 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The union also says it was not informed when FIFA hired OnLocation to be its official hospitality partner, operating food and beverage during games at the tournament, which means a new corporate entity has been inserted into the employment relationship.—
Adam Crafton,
New York Times,
10 Apr. 2026
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Biohazard waste containers are effective at keeping these items relatively inaccessible once they’re inserted until they’re emptied or disposed of appropriately.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
9 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Margot, who works for a social-media platform called Kino and shares a New Orleans apartment with her bestie, Ryan (Aaron Holliday), has only just crawled out of a dark period and doesn’t require much to teeter back in.—
Alison Willmore,
Vulture,
10 Apr. 2026
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As a toddler, Gabriela crawled about the UCLA clubhouse at reunions.—
Don Norcross,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
6 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Perhaps in his quiet time, Leo has slipped on the size 52 jersey, just for fun.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
10 Apr. 2026
-
Contracts for homes above $10 million rose sharply in the first quarter, even as overall deal volume slipped.—
Abby Montanez,
Robb Report,
10 Apr. 2026
Verb
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As rain poured on the northern provinces of Iran in late March, a somber crowd snaked through the mountain ranges of Asara carrying the coffin of Mohammad Reza Kia.—
Mostafa Salem,
CNN Money,
7 Apr. 2026
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The David family from Fruitland — consisting of dad Ryan, mom Evelyn and daughters Kairi (15) and Rivkkah (13) — had waited for 20 minutes and were about halfway through the line that snaked from the shop door and trailed back nearly to the entry gate.—
Rachel Roberts,
Idaho Statesman,
5 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The vicious murder that followed shook Kansas City to its core and to this day, no one knows for certain who snuck into Leila Welsh’s bedroom and brutally murdered her that morning.—
Patrick Salland,
Kansas City Star,
7 Apr. 2026
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While both Riddle and Fritz were largely silent about the rumors on their personal social media channels, the fashion It-girl snuck into the comment section of a recent post breaking down the breakup rumors.—
Tabitha Parent,
PEOPLE,
7 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Wormed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wormed. Accessed 14 Apr. 2026.
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