worms

Definition of wormsnext
present tense third-person singular of worm
1
as in encroaches
to advance gradually beyond the usual or desirable limits neighborhoods worming into lands reserved for wildlife

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2
as in infiltrates
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

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3
as in snakes
to move slowly with the body close to the ground the cat silently wormed along the ground as it snuck up on the bird

Synonyms & Similar 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 worms MomTok got Taylor on the plane and off to star in The Bachelorette, but not before Dakota worms his way in one last time. — Joe Reid, Vulture, 13 Mar. 2026 Guiteau eventually worms his way into an audience, ostensibly seeking an ambassadorship for his dubious contributions to the campaign but, in reality, requesting a path to greatness. — Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 11 Nov. 2025 Go east from Tashkent for a dose of verticality in the Fergana Valley, which worms its way between neighboring Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan. — Brandon Presser, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 Feb. 2020
Recent Examples of Synonyms for worms
Verb
  • These industry changes come at an uncertain time as artificial intelligence encroaches on the creative field and consumers are turning to social media platforms for music consumption and discovery.
    — Cerys Davies, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026
  • The necessary debates are only beginning to heat up as AI inexorably encroaches on our daily lives.
    — Clarence Page, Chicago Tribune, 19 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • After seeing his love die and discovering the truth about his existence, Darrow infiltrates the Gold society with an aim to bring it down.
    — Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 16 Oct. 2026
  • The show, which stars Jessica Chastain as an investigator who infiltrates online hate groups to prevent incidents of mad violence.
    — Bethy Squires, Vulture, 20 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Democrat Kevin Chambliss, 45, defended his seat against Republican Miguel Granda to win another two years representing House District 117, a South Dade district that snakes around the Florida Turnpike.
    — Miami Herald staff, Miami Herald, 4 Nov. 2026
  • The new district snakes up through Kansas City’s urban core, in an attempt to create a district more favorable for Republicans in the 5th District.
    — Jack Harvel July 28, Kansas City Star, 28 July 2026
Verb
  • Owen Wilson plays an overprotective dad who sneaks his 13-year-old son (Christian Convery) into the festival.
    — Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 2 Oct. 2026
  • The titular bed trick refers to the literary device, beloved by Shakespeare and by opera buffa, in which a lover sneaks into a bed and, under cover of darkness, is taken for someone else.
    — S. C. Cornell, New Yorker, 29 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • There’s also a less than 10% chance of showers, if one of the hurricanes crawls farther up the coast, according to Wofford.
    — Alex Wigglesworth, Los Angeles Times, 24 Sep. 2026
  • Hairy-nosed wombat births are hard to spot, as after about a 30-day pregnancy, the joey crawls into its mother’s pouch.
    — Devoun Cetoute, Miami Herald, 16 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Instead of putting bourbon into a new set of barrels, the distillery inserts 10 virgin French oak staves that have been seared into cask-strength Maker’s, and lets the whiskey age for a little more than two months in its cool limestone cellars.
    — Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 11 Oct. 2026
  • When introduced into another cell, the gene produces a protein that inserts into the cell membrane.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 5 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • As the temperature drops and winter dryness inevitably creeps in, this luxe, delectable formula will serve as your skin savior.
    — Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 4 Nov. 2026
  • The tone creeps into despair as the scales fall from Sutskever’s eyes.
    — E. Alex Jung, Vulture, 2 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • If your pet slips outside and has an orthopedic issue that subsequently needs to be treated, your vet bills could be exorbitant.
    — Matt Richardson, CBS News, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Glossier You’s compact solid perfume slips into my purse, freeing up suitcase space and giving me one less liquid to fit into my toiletries bag before airport security.
    — Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 31 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Worms.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/worms. Accessed 10 Nov. 2026.

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