DEFORM Synonyms: 22 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

deform

verb

di-ˈfȯrm

Definition of deform next

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

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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

Examples 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 Email newsletter | Facebook page Our rating: False There is no evidence the brain shown in the post was deformed by alcohol use. —

Kate S. Petersen, USA TODAY, 26 Nov. 2024 The claim: Image shows brain deformed by alcohol consumption A Nov. 20 Instagram post (direct link, archive link) shows images of two brains. —

Kate S. Petersen, USA TODAY, 26 Nov. 2024 This often leaves a shell deformed, with air bubbles trapped underneath it. —

Ars Technica, 21 Dec. 2024 Transportation officials, in announcing last week that Daniel Carter Beard would not open in full until March, said the fire deformed some of the highway's steel beams, detaching them from the concrete deck above. —

Patricia Gallagher Newberry, The Enquirer, 3 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for deform