as in to distort
to twist (something) out of a natural or normal shape or condition a cynic whose face seems to be permanently deformed by a sneer

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How does the verb deform contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of deform are contort, distort, and warp. While all these words mean "to mar or spoil by or as if by twisting," deform may imply a change of shape through stress, injury, or accident of growth.

a face deformed by hatred

How are the words distort and contort related as synonyms of deform?

Distort and contort both imply a wrenching from the natural or normal, but contort suggests a more involved twisting and a more grotesque and painful result.

the odd camera angle distorts the figure
disease had contorted her body

When can warp be used instead of deform?

In some situations, the words warp and deform are roughly equivalent. However, warp indicates an uneven shrinking that bends or twists out of a flat plane.

warped floorboards

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 deform Another expression emerged from everyday objects, which inspired Lynch to deform the mundane into a hellish din. Madison Bloom, Pitchfork, 17 Jan. 2025 Solids can also be deformed if enough pressure is applied to them. Manon Bischoff, Scientific American, 23 Jan. 2025 The biggest challenge with creating the hulls is managing the heat during the additive process to keep the parts from deforming as they are created. IEEE Spectrum, 31 Dec. 2024 The lowest 688 feet of the ice core above the bedrock is made of older ice that is heavily deformed. Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 9 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for deform

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Cite this Entry

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

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