Synonyms of deform

deform

verb

di-ˈfȯrm 

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

• distort
• contort
• screw
• curl
• misshape
• warp
• torture
• disfigure
• deface
• squinch
• loop
• coil
• spiral
• wind
• wring
• wrench
• twine
• wrest
• wreathe

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• straighten
• unbend
• uncurl

Synonym Chooser

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

Recent Examples of deform

American bases built inside the ice sheet, such as Camp Century, were quickly crushed as the encasing snow deformed. —Paul Bierman, The Conversation, 19 Feb. 2025

This interaction between the inner and outer core is causing the inner core’s surface to shift and deform. —Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 10 Feb. 2025

The significance of topology Topology is the study of shapes and spaces that don’t change even if they are stretched, twisted, or deformed—without cutting or gluing. —Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 9 Feb. 2025

The batteries were also tested at temperatures as high as 200 degrees Celsius; the output voltage was nearly the same in spite of the heat, and the battery didn’t expand or deform excessively. —IEEE Spectrum, 5 Feb. 2025