Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of transform are convert, metamorphose, transfigure, transmogrify, and transmute. While all these words mean "to change a thing into a different thing," transform implies a major change in form, nature, or function.

transformed a small company into a corporate giant

When would convert be a good substitute for transform?

The words convert and transform are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, convert implies a change fitting something for a new or different use or function.

converted the study into a nursery

When is metamorphose a more appropriate choice than transform?

While the synonyms metamorphose and transform are close in meaning, 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 is it sensible to use transfigure instead of transform?

The words transfigure and transform can be used in similar contexts, but transfigure implies a change that exalts or glorifies.

joy transfigured her face

When might transmogrify be a better fit than transform?

In some situations, the words transmogrify and transform are roughly equivalent. However, transmogrify suggests a strange or preposterous metamorphosis.

a story in which a frog is transmogrified into a prince

When can transmute be used instead of transform?

The synonyms transmute and transform 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 transform Their chips control everything from electric vehicles to data centers, both of which are transforming energy demand. Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 10 Jan. 2025 Thousands of homes and a sprawl of entire neighborhoods were transformed into outdoor charnel houses. Jeffrey Kluger, TIME, 10 Jan. 2025 Nine years ago, a simple dinner around a pot of pasta sauce sparked a journey that transformed my life—and the lives of thousands of others. Chris Schembra, Rolling Stone, 10 Jan. 2025 Was a little skeptical about his signing at first due to his age, but the guy has came in and helped completely transform the culture of this team. Ben Standig, The Athletic, 10 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for transform 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for transform
Verb
  • Some medical schools were looted while others were converted into military bases.
    Maria Isabel Barros Guinle, NPR, 7 Jan. 2025
  • Your conversion rate is the percentage of users who converted after watching the video.
    David Ispiryan, Forbes, 7 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • The sprawling former Montana restaurant, 1910 S. Main St., will be remodeled into a large barbecue serving line, bar and patio to open by fall, Churchill said.
    Bud Kennedy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 Jan. 2025
  • The designer remodeled the garage to contain his design studio and a sleeping loft that allows the couple to host overnight guests, given that the second bedroom functions as an office.
    Jessica Ritz, Architectural Digest, 2 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • But yes, little Johnny, human beings really did once get down on their knees every afternoon beside a mail slot, waiting for some transfiguring love or luck to slide through.
    Christian Wiman, Harper's Magazine, 2 Aug. 2024
  • Milan fans must hope Royal suddenly transfigures into Cafu.
    James Horncastle, The Athletic, 14 Aug. 2024
Verb
  • Face them head-on, and then use the sun’s entrance into Scorpio on the 22nd to transmute pain into power, ideally with the help of your most intimate connections.
    Dossé-Via Trenou, refinery29.com, 27 Sep. 2024
  • This visceral metamorphosis, which haunts the pages of her memoir Black Milk: On Writing, Motherhood, and the Harem Within (2007; English translation 2011), transmutes nature’s most fundamental symbol of maternal sustenance into a potent metaphor for creative anxiety born of postpartum despair.
    Fidan Cheikosman, JSTOR Daily, 1 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near transform

Cite this Entry

“Transform.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/transform. Accessed 20 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on transform

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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