as in distortion
the twisting of something out of its natural or normal shape or condition
the catastrophic deformation of the steel girders under the enormous weight of the bridge
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 deformation
These include maintaining strict control of the operation temperature, applying piezoelectric force to correct mask-shape deformation, and applying heat from a laser to expand or contract the wafer and bring it and the mask more into alignment.
—
IEEE Spectrum, 2 Jan. 2025
In 2018, a team of French physicists developed a rudimentary mathematical model to describe the deformation of a common type of knit.
—Ars Technica, 27 Dec. 2024
Causes of Friction Blisters Friction blisters on the feet are caused by three elements: the motion of bone, high friction force, and the repetition of shear stress, which is when a force causes the deformation of an object by creating slippage along a flat surface that is parallel to the force.
—Laura Schober, Health, 27 Dec. 2024
Magma's Journey to the Surface Data from deformation measurements at the summit of Kīlauea in Hawaii.
—Erik Klemetti, Discover Magazine, 23 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for deformation
IEEE Spectrum, 2 Jan. 2025
In 2018, a team of French physicists developed a rudimentary mathematical model to describe the deformation of a common type of knit.
—Ars Technica, 27 Dec. 2024
Causes of Friction Blisters Friction blisters on the feet are caused by three elements: the motion of bone, high friction force, and the repetition of shear stress, which is when a force causes the deformation of an object by creating slippage along a flat surface that is parallel to the force.
—Laura Schober, Health, 27 Dec. 2024
Magma's Journey to the Surface Data from deformation measurements at the summit of Kīlauea in Hawaii.
—Erik Klemetti, Discover Magazine, 23 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for deformation
Cite this Entry
“Deformation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deformation. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share