Synonym Chooser

How is the word metamorphose different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of metamorphose are convert, transfigure, transform, transmogrify, and transmute. While all these words mean "to change a thing into a different thing," metamorphose suggests an abrupt or startling change induced by or as if by magic or a supernatural power.

awkward girls metamorphosed into graceful ballerinas

When can convert be used instead of metamorphose?

While the synonyms convert and metamorphose are close in meaning, convert implies a change fitting something for a new or different use or function.

converted the study into a nursery

When might transfigure be a better fit than metamorphose?

While in some cases nearly identical to metamorphose, transfigure implies a change that exalts or glorifies.

joy transfigured her face

When is transform a more appropriate choice than metamorphose?

Although the words transform and metamorphose have much in common, transform implies a major change in form, nature, or function.

transformed a small company into a corporate giant

When is it sensible to use transmogrify instead of metamorphose?

The words transmogrify and metamorphose can be used in similar contexts, but transmogrify suggests a strange or preposterous metamorphosis.

a story in which a frog is transmogrified into a prince

When would transmute be a good substitute for metamorphose?

The synonyms transmute and metamorphose are sometimes interchangeable, but transmute implies transforming into a higher element or thing.

attempted to transmute lead into gold

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 metamorphose The result is an unfamiliar and deeply sensual aural clash of whistles, clicks, and consonants, each molded and metamorphosed by their enveloping fungal tissue. Mariana Fernández, ARTnews.com, 18 Dec. 2024 Male Darwin’s frogs actually carry tadpoles inside their vocal sacs as a protective act while the larvae metamorphose into froglets. Ashley Strickland, CNN, 8 Feb. 2025 If the robot, who frequently metamorphoses, gives shape to some form of justice, it’s flayed down to a name. Elisa Gonzalez, The New Yorker, 3 Feb. 2025 Others believed that birds hibernated underwater or, in certain cases, metamorphosed into other birds. Scott Travers, Forbes, 21 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for metamorphose

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Metamorphose.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/metamorphose. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on metamorphose

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!