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

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 transform The goal is to educate, transform, and elevate global leadership. Chris Gallagher, USA Today, 6 Apr. 2025 As the cool new kid in town, his Tommy Oliver was transformed into one of the core team of rangers' (Amy Jo Johnson, David Yost, Austin St. John, Walter Emanuel Jones, and Thuy Trang) primary adversaries: the fearsome Green Ranger. Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 6 Apr. 2025 Cove Café, an adults-only coffee and tea bar by day, transforms into a lounge at night, serving cocktails, wine, and light bites. Susan B. Barnes, Travel + Leisure, 6 Apr. 2025 Calling decorating a passion of hers—even kind of a therapy—Jackson got to work transforming the space into a place that people would want to come and sit and just stay for a while. Rachel Burchfield, Forbes.com, 5 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for transform
Recent Examples of Synonyms for transform
Verb
  • The 75,000-square-foot emporium, converted from a former JC Penney, is a wormhole to the food court of any baekhwajeom (department store galleria) in Seoul’s glitzy Gangnam district.
    Kate Bradshaw, Mercury News, 31 Mar. 2025
  • The Clinton native and DeMatha Catholic graduate converted 43.4% of his shots (167 of 385) and revived a career that had been dormant for 600 days because of injuries and inactivity.
    Edward Lee, Baltimore Sun, 31 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The Postal Service was remodeled under the Postal Reorganization Act of 1970, moving from a cabinet department to an independent agency under the executive branch with a Board of Governors.
    Claire Grant, USA Today, 1 Apr. 2025
  • Outback also will slow its new restaurant openings and direct its investments to remodeling current locations.
    Nathaniel Meyersohn, CNN Money, 28 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The result was, if not a religious experience, then a spiritually transfiguring one.
    Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 31 Mar. 2025
  • Enter the Wizards, transfigured at the trade deadline but still among the league’s most eager-to-lose organizations.
    Bennett Durando, The Denver Post, 15 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • That gets transmuted into a rote kind of love story.
    Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 8 Apr. 2025
  • As for July’s Superman, Carrigan plays Rex Mason/Metamorpho, who, per the comics, can transmute himself into chemical compounds of his choosing.
    Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 26 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Transform.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/transform. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on transform

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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