bend 1 of 2

verb

ˈbend How to pronounce bend (audio)
Definition of bendnext
1
as in to arch
to cause to turn away from a straight line she bent the blade of the knife when she got it jammed in the drawer

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2
as in to devote
to occupy (oneself) diligently or with close attention bent herself to the task for the rest of the day

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3
as in to aim
to point or turn (something) toward a target or goal bent all of his efforts toward making his first documentary film

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4
as in to curve
to turn away from a straight line or course the stream bends slightly to the east

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5
as in to distort
to change so much as to create a wrong impression or alter the meaning of attorneys bending the facts to put their client in the most favorable light

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6
as in to attach
to cause (something) to hold to another bend a leash to the dog's collar

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bend

2 of 2

noun

1
as in curvature
something that curves or is curved it's hard to see around that bend in the road, so be careful

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2
as in tilt
the act of positioning or an instance of being positioned at an angle did knee bends for exercise

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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 bend
Verb
But Black Bag is electrifying, with Soderbergh operating in his God mode — portraying highly competent people attempting to outwit one another in beautiful clothes, the light practically bending to their beauty and banter. — Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 14 Mar. 2025 This effect occurs because Earth's atmosphere scatters shorter wavelengths of sunlight while allowing longer wavelengths — red and orange light — to bend into Earth's shadow and illuminate the moon. — Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 6 Mar. 2025
Noun
Here, the passage of time is measured in shifting light, the slow bend of jacaranda branches heavy with violet blooms, the way dry hills blush green after an elusive rain. — Spencer Elliott, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025 Classic largemouth water in a river would be a murky, slow-moving bend with thick cover (think fallen trees, heavy vegetation, and boat docks). — Derek Horner, Outdoor Life, 27 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for bend
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bend
  1. arch
  2. devote
  3. aim
  4. curve
  5. distort
  6. attach
  7. curvature
  8. tilt
Verb
  • Keep your shoulders, ribs and hips stacked over your knees without arching your back.
    — Dana Santas, CNN, 12 Mar. 2025
  • Its semi-evergreen, narrow, grass-like leaves arch gracefully, providing a fine textured appearance.
    — Rita Pelczar, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Mar. 2025
Definition of arch
Verb
  • The story begins in 1942 Poland in the Chelmno extermination camp, the first of its kind to be devoted exclusively to the mass murder of Jews.
    — Frank Scheck, The Hollywood Reporter, 13 Mar. 2025
  • The Biden administration put money back into navigator grants, and last year announced a plan to devote $500 million for the effort over five years.
    — Maya Goldman, Axios, 10 Mar. 2025
Definition of devote
Verb
  • This week, a Ukrainian delegation will travel to Saudi Arabia to meet with US counterparts to negotiate an end to the conflict; Britain recently hosted a European summit aimed at finding a path forward that Kyiv and Europe can agree on.
    — Rob Picheta, CNN, 10 Mar. 2025
  • Trump’s rollouts and reversals of tariffs aimed at Canada and Mexico — where many global carmakers have manufacturing plants — has sparked volatile trade of regional auto stocks.
    — Jenni Reid,Chloe Taylor,Sawdah Bhaimiya, CNBC, 10 Mar. 2025
Definition of aim
Verb
  • Completed in 2021, the four-bedroom, four-bath abode offers nearly 7,000 square feet of living space over three floors that are accessible via an elevator and a curving staircase topped by a 34-teardrop glass pendant chandelier.
    — Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 14 Mar. 2025
  • The interior design features curved wooden elements that not only add sculptural beauty but also enhance sound quality throughout the venue.
    — Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report, Fox News, 14 Mar. 2025
Definition of curve
Verb
  • The Illusion Of Abundance In A Skewed Market This shift has profoundly distorted the venture deal landscape.
    — Joseph Edgar, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025
  • In the new court filing, phone records show Mortensen tried calling the other four roommates – but got no response – around the time when security camera from a residence close to the home picked up at 4:17 a.m. distorted audio of voices, a whimper, followed by a loud thud, and a barking dog.
    — Lauren del Valle, CNN, 7 Mar. 2025
Definition of distort
Verb
  • Fans navigating the dozens of schools in the NCAA men’s and women’s basketball tournaments might become as attached to the mascots as the athletes themselves.
    — John Raby, Chicago Tribune, 17 Mar. 2025
  • When the last of his players finished talking and left the interview area, Reiser looked both ways and then pulled out his iPhone, with a Mass card attached to the back, and let his story out in whispers.
    — Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 17 Mar. 2025
Definition of attach
Noun
  • Its exquisite exterior curvatures are a match for no other as Range Rover delivers royalty to all consumers.
    — Marc D Grasso, Hartford Courant, 8 Mar. 2025
  • The custom rug by Sacco Carpet mirrors the curvature of the ceiling.
    — Greg Carannante, Sun Sentinel, 28 Feb. 2025
Definition of curvature
Noun
  • The stand aside, this monitor has ample tilt, height, and swivel adjustments at the ready.
    — PCMAG, PCMAG, 9 Mar. 2025
  • Similarities between Earth and Mars also include a roughly 24-hour day, an axial tilt that creates distinct seasons, weather patterns, and a rocky composition.
    — Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 6 Mar. 2025
Definition of tilt

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Cite this Entry

“Bend.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bend. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on bend

Nglish: Translation of bend for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about bend

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