contortion

Definition of contortionnext
as in deformation
the twisting of something out of its natural or normal shape or condition the comedian is renowned for his seemingly endless variety of facial contortions

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 contortion Accordingly, many modern-day interlocutors of cringe are infatuated with the grotesque performative contortions required by life as a woman. — Eugenie Brinkema, ARTnews.com, 17 Oct. 2026 One feature of the July weather pattern in the US was a seemingly endless series of heat domes that popped up in different parts of the country depending on the contortions of the jet stream. — Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 10 Aug. 2026 Moore’s expressive face has courted much attention across the icon’s Hollywood career, with her facial contortions drawing critical praise (and, sometimes, the meme treatment) over the years. — Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 6 Aug. 2026 All this chugs along satisfyingly even with the occasional patch of sluggishness and the usual overly convoluted plot contortions. — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 28 July 2026 The screams, contortions and vocal shifts were made without CGI or artificial intelligence, and that detail is its own form of campaign currency in an era when audiences and voters alike are increasingly skeptical of digital enhancement. — Clayton Davis, Variety, 15 June 2026 The majority’s contortion of the Purcell principle may be the most disturbing aspect of its order. — Ruth Marcus, New Yorker, 8 June 2026 The Russian state has often forced its people into strange contortions of the mind. — Simon Shuster, The Atlantic, 6 June 2026 The most conspicuous symptom of this transition, certainly, was the contortion of the nation-state, and the resulting unravelling of political cultures built up over many decades. — Literary Hub, 18 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contortion
Noun
  • Higher-frequency deformation patterns initially appeared around the ring before gradually merging into larger movements.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 14 Oct. 2026
  • According to Formlabs, this improves strength, toughness, heat resistance, and resistance to gradual deformation under sustained loads, while producing a harder, less tacky surface.
    — Michael Lydick, PC Magazine, 14 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • These accusations are utter nonsense, concocted from distortions, half-truths and lies.
    — Kathleen Parker, Washington Post, 23 Oct. 2026
  • The band frequently steers the poppy songwriting offroad by leaning into distortion and ambience, creating moments of both near-mania and hazy unease.
    — Sue Park, Pitchfork, 22 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Jason is attending Crystal Lake, where he’s ostracized by his fellow campers on account of his facial deformities.
    — Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Will, who was born with a leg deformity and a genetic condition that affects his facial development and breathing and uses a wheelchair full-time, also bonded with Harry over his love of gaming.
    — Stacy Lambe, PEOPLE, 21 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Contortion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contortion. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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