Synonyms of distortion
1
: the act of twisting or altering something out of its true, natural, or original state : the act of distorting
a distortion of the facts
2
: the quality or state of being distorted : a product of distorting: such as
a
physics : a lack of proportionality in an image resulting from defects in the optical system
an image free of distortion
b
: falsified reproduction of an audio or video signal (see signal entry 1 sense 4b) caused by change in the wave form of the original signal

Examples of distortion in a Sentence

had to total the car due to a distortion of the chassis resulting from collision
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
After a handful of supremely mellow releases that blended lurching ’90s breakbeats with wintry, Mazzy Star-like songwriting, their third album dives into a vat of mercurial distortion and slippery, all-consuming bass. — Sam Goldner, Pitchfork, 27 Oct. 2026 An exercise in truth, perception and distortion, most viewers walk out of the theater unclear about what’s real — including whether Fielder is playing a character. — Laura Zornosa, Los Angeles Times, 26 Oct. 2026 As with the assassination of Charlie Kirk, the event prompted an onslaught of uninformed commentary and partisan distortion. — Lauren Collins, New Yorker, 26 Oct. 2026 These weren't the old deep fake videos of the past that are full of distortions. — Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for distortion

Word History

Etymology

see distort

First Known Use

1581, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of distortion was in 1581

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Distortion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/distortion. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

Kids Definition

distortion

noun
1
: the act of distorting
2
: the condition of being distorted or a product of distortion
distortional adjective

Medical Definition

distortion

noun
1
: the censorship of unacceptable unconscious impulses so that they are unrecognizable to the ego in the manifest content of a dream
2
: a lack of correspondence of size or intensity in an image resulting from defects in an optical system

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