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
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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
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Recent Examples of writhe
Star goalie Igor Shesterkin was left writhing in pain after attempting to stop oncoming Utah Mammoth forward JJ Peterka.
—
Vincent Z. Mercogliano, New York Times, 6 Jan. 2026
Raynaud clutched his left knee while writhing in pain before limping off the floor with assistance from head athletic trainer Joel Noland.
—Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 4 Jan. 2026
Jokic collapsed to the court, grabbing at the knee and writhing in pain.
—CBS News, 30 Dec. 2025
After Nancy shoots the exotic matter, the writhing ball of energy becomes even more ferocious, melting the top of the lab at a more rapid rate.
—Katie Campione, Deadline, 25 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for writhe
Vincent Z. Mercogliano, New York Times, 6 Jan. 2026
Raynaud clutched his left knee while writhing in pain before limping off the floor with assistance from head athletic trainer Joel Noland.
—Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 4 Jan. 2026
Jokic collapsed to the court, grabbing at the knee and writhing in pain.
—CBS News, 30 Dec. 2025
After Nancy shoots the exotic matter, the writhing ball of energy becomes even more ferocious, melting the top of the lab at a more rapid rate.
—Katie Campione, Deadline, 25 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for writhe
Recent Examples of Synonyms for writhe
Verb
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Vimini is likely just a hint of what’s to come, as Bulgari weaves designs from its past with the fresh talent and the state-of-the-art resources shaping its future.—
Paige Reddinger,
Robb Report,
7 Feb. 2026
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Coleman drove north in southbound lanes and was weaving in traffic when officers lost sight of him for the final time, according to the probable cause statement.—
Caroline Zimmerman,
Kansas City Star,
7 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The quarterly ritual when companies publicly measure themselves up against analyst estimates, squirm through conference calls, and brace for big after-hours stock moves.—
Alexei Oreskovic,
Fortune,
23 Jan. 2026
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There is another issue, of course, squirming away in the soft flesh of maternity leave.—
Nell Frizzell,
Vogue,
13 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Hairstylist Bryce Scarlett pulled it back from her face and twisted it into a low updo with tiny, delicate curling tendrils on either side of the star's face, allowing the gown to shine from the front but adding beautiful detail at the back.—
Kara Nesvig,
Allure,
6 Feb. 2026
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This corona gets all twisted up with magnetic fields, building up tension until, boom, a flare lets it all out.—
Paul Sutter,
Space.com,
6 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The bonito’s body twitched until Yamasaki slid a thin metal wire down the column of its spinal cord, a second step called shinkei jime, which arrests its nervous system.—
Hannah Goldfield,
New Yorker,
19 Jan. 2026
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Persistent muscle twitches Everyone’s muscles twitch from time to time, usually at various locations.—
Angela Haupt,
Time,
15 Jan. 2026
Verb
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In fall 2024, the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) women's volleyball team fell under national scrutiny when it was entwined in the San Jose State (SJSU) trans athlete scandal.—
Jackson Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
4 Feb. 2026
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But Carney is right that America’s power is, in part, dependent on the willingness of other countries to be entwined with our might.—
Ezra Klein,
Mercury News,
28 Jan. 2026
Verb
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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
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Minimal but purposeful movement, avoiding fidgeting or excessive gestures, shows intention.—
Cheryl Robinson,
Forbes.com,
26 Jan. 2026
Verb
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This hearing is the second in the defense team’s bid to get the county attorney’s office tossed from the case, citing a conflict of interest.—
Andi Babineau,
CNN Money,
2 Feb. 2026
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Reigns would eventually hit the spear on Gunther and toss him over the ropes for the win.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
1 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Some signs that the carburetor is clogged on a snow blower are starting then dying a few seconds afterward, jerking, sputtering noises, and black smoke emitting from the exhaust.—
David Beaulieu,
The Spruce,
1 Feb. 2026
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The tear-jerking dramedy featured a breakthrough role for Emilia Jones, an Oscar-winning, scene-stealing turn by Troy Kotsur and a thoughtful narrative that took audiences into the personal lives of a deaf family with a single hearing member.—
Brian Truitt,
USA Today,
22 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Writhe.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/writhe. Accessed 8 Feb. 2026.
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