Definition of deformnext
as in to distort
to twist (something) out of a natural or normal shape or condition a cynic whose face seems to be permanently deformed by a sneer

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb deform contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of deform are contort, distort, and warp. While all these words mean "to mar or spoil by or as if by twisting," deform may imply a change of shape through stress, injury, or accident of growth.

a face deformed by hatred

How are the words distort and contort related as synonyms of deform?

Distort and contort both imply a wrenching from the natural or normal, but contort suggests a more involved twisting and a more grotesque and painful result.

the odd camera angle distorts the figure
disease had contorted her body

When can warp be used instead of deform?

In some situations, the words warp and deform are roughly equivalent. However, warp indicates an uneven shrinking that bends or twists out of a flat plane.

warped floorboards

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 deform On the other hand, if the gold structure is a square pattern, oxygen molecules readily stick to the surface and are deformed to the point of splitting, leaving them available to react (indeed, under these conditions, gold will oxidize as well). Chris Lee, ArsTechnica, 9 June 2026 The impact with Bell's Camry severely deformed the SAFER barrier, which is comprised of steel and foam to absorb energy in wrecks. CBS News, 8 June 2026 The impact with Bell’s Camry severely deformed the SAFER barrier, which is comprised of steel and foam to absorb energy in wrecks. ABC News, 7 June 2026 Fast moving debris has the potential to penetrate or deform a spacecraft's hull, damaging critical systems or even triggering a catastrophic rupture. Anthony Wood, Space.com, 7 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for deform
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deform
Verb
  • Slow-motion replays and still images distort the offending player’s actions, with innocuous tackles looking more serious.
    Tom Bogert, New York Times, 2 July 2026
  • Any whack job with a phone can distort reality, and that’s not helpful.
    David Frum, The Atlantic, 1 July 2026
Verb
  • Somehow, the 22-year-old was able to contort himself into an uncomfortable TT position to complete the course — and not only that, help Netcompany-Ineos to an impressive second place.
    Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 4 July 2026
  • The way Adult Swim’s slate of low-fi, off-kilter programming managed to interrupt the monotony of 2000s cable TV, Friedland’s show follows a familiar format while subtly contorting it.
    Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 29 June 2026
Verb
  • The breeze was screwing with the sound system, and the temperature dropped abruptly.
    Lily Goldberg, Pitchfork, 26 June 2026
  • Either Cody or Gunther wins because Sami gets screwed; Zayn will then further descend into madness and attack someone after the bell.
    Darren Cooper, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Deform.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deform. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on deform

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster