1
as in to weave
to cause to twine about one another
tends to writhe his fingers together when he's nervous or upset
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to squirm
to make jerky or restless movements
writhing in pain from his injuries
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 writhe
Snow was adamant about showing the blood and needles in the film as well as footage of himself writhing in pain on hospital beds and the frustration of waiting hours for doctors to provide adequate dosages of pain medication that can help him.
—
Marissa Evans, Los Angeles Times, 23 Feb. 2026
The string arrangements are lovely, lending every song a measure of uplift and writhing texture.
—Harry Tafoya, Pitchfork, 19 Feb. 2026
Madonna’s floor-writhing performance of the song at the inaugural MTV Video Music Awards was a cultural landmark — or landmine — and fueled her rise to becoming one of the biggest musical acts of the 20th century.
—Erik Pedersen, Deadline, 16 Feb. 2026
An agonized woman, writhing and coughing and gnarled by disease, is found in a field on the edge of town.
—Guy Lodge, Variety, 13 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for writhe
Marissa Evans, Los Angeles Times, 23 Feb. 2026
The string arrangements are lovely, lending every song a measure of uplift and writhing texture.
—Harry Tafoya, Pitchfork, 19 Feb. 2026
Madonna’s floor-writhing performance of the song at the inaugural MTV Video Music Awards was a cultural landmark — or landmine — and fueled her rise to becoming one of the biggest musical acts of the 20th century.
—Erik Pedersen, Deadline, 16 Feb. 2026
An agonized woman, writhing and coughing and gnarled by disease, is found in a field on the edge of town.
—Guy Lodge, Variety, 13 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for writhe
Recent Examples of Synonyms for writhe
Verb
-
The story weaves between 14th-century Italy and modern-day, exploring themes of love, divinity, and obsession.—
Anthony D'Alessandro,
Deadline,
6 Mar. 2026
-
We were passed by four out-of-control Harley bikers going 80-90 mph, weaving in and out of steadily moving traffic, while illegally passing cars on the right shoulder for miles.—
Ticked Off,
The Orlando Sentinel,
5 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
As Woody Harrelson detailed Harrison Ford's accomplishments from the Actors Awards stage, the famously gruff actor seemed to squirm in his seat, somehow uncomfortable with praise even at the age of 83.—
Eve Batey,
Vanity Fair,
2 Mar. 2026
-
Substitute Nikolas Nartey completed the scoring in stoppage time with another deflected shot that squirmed in off the far post.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
1 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Brigham is also charged with assaulting a man by grabbing and twisting his genitals.—
Julia Coin,
Charlotte Observer,
6 Mar. 2026
-
Tanyka’s lower jaw twisted outward from back to front.—
Ryan Brennan,
Kansas City Star,
6 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Kearse twitched briefly after the lethal drugs began entering his system but stopped moving several minutes later.—
Freida Frisaro,
Sun Sentinel,
3 Mar. 2026
-
Levy brought the dog in dead and claimed that that the dog had a seizure and was vomiting, choking and twitching before his death.—
Staff Report,
Hartford Courant,
27 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
And over the years, Barbie has lent its role model status to stars closely entwined with pop culture, such as Kylie Minogue, Helen Mirren, Shania Twain and Viola Davis.—
Kati Chitrakorn,
CNN Money,
5 Mar. 2026
-
But Gorillaz has always been a group entwined with different, equally heavy topics.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
27 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Saturday’s game is also being advertised an autism awareness night, offering earplugs, fidget toys and a sensory break area for fans who plan to attend.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
29 Jan. 2026
-
Minimal but purposeful movement, avoiding fidgeting or excessive gestures, shows intention.—
Cheryl Robinson,
Forbes.com,
26 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Additionally, Greg likes nuts and cocoa, can toss a penny into a jar from across a room, and played minor league hockey, which will put him back on skates here.—
Television Critic,
Los Angeles Times,
8 Mar. 2026
-
In the dream, of course, the victor is on offense, tossing away the bat with one arm raised.—
Doug Padilla,
Oc Register,
8 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Don't jerk the steering wheel, as the overreaction can cause the vehicle to slide further or roll.—
Christa Swanson,
CBS News,
7 Mar. 2026
-
Giddey stopped, the ball cradled in his palm, shouting while jerking his hand in the rough direction of his intended pass.—
Julia Poe,
Chicago Tribune,
2 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Writhe.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/writhe. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
