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

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 metamorphose Taking its first victory lap in fall 2023, the Formula 1 Heineken Silver Las Vegas Grand Prix significantly transformed the Las Vegas Strip, metamorphosing a 3.8-mile stretch of one of the most famous boulevards in the world into a race track. Melinda Sheckells, Forbes, 26 Oct. 2024 Lewis always used his pop instincts to metamorphose music of the past with his band, the News, and give it a modern edge, which resulted in a prolific streak of hits throughout the ’80s. Devon Ivie, Vulture, 8 July 2024 All in all, the weeks ahead are going to metamorphose our lives. Lisa Stardust, refinery29.com, 21 Oct. 2024 Rich Fayden, once an artist himself, has metamorphosed into an emblematic music industry executive known for discovering and nurturing the stars of tomorrow. Kyle J. Russell, USA TODAY, 1 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for metamorphose 

Thesaurus Entries Near metamorphose

Cite this Entry

“Metamorphose.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/metamorphose. Accessed 21 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on metamorphose

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