Thesaurus results for TRANSFORM

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

transform

verb

tran(t)s-ˈfȯrm

Definition of transform

as in to convert

to change in form, appearance, or use by clicking a few buttons, this toy car can be transformed into a robot

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 Fincantieri’s approach is not based on the assumption that humanoid robots are ready to transform every shipyard tomorrow. — Rodrigo Madanes, Forbes.com, 20 Oct. 2026 The county plans to transform the site into Delco Woods, a park with paved hiking paths, mountain bike trails and a dog park. — Madeleine Wright, CBS News, 20 Oct. 2026 The cedar shingles have transformed the space into something completely different, giving it a relaxed and warm rustic feel. — Lisa Boone, Los Angeles Times, 20 Oct. 2026 The findings suggest living tissue can transform tactile information in ways that preserve useful patterns. — Mike McRae 19, New Atlas, 20 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for transform

Recent Examples of Synonyms for transform

Verb

The challenge is converting it into affordable products at scale, something China has become remarkably effective at doing.

— Rick Lazio, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2026
Bloom, which makes fuel cells that can convert everything from fossil fuels to hydrogen into electricity, also raised its full-year revenue outlook.

— Jeff Marks, CNBC, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of convert

Verb

La Grande Épicerie’s fish stand was remodeled two years ago, including with mosaics by Parisian artist Mathilde Jonquière, and the rotisserie corner has been relooked more recently.

— Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 24 Oct. 2026
Offices have been remodeled for a modern look, part of a plan to upgrade on-campus facilities.

— PJ Green October 23, Kansas City Star, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of remodel

Verb

But the filmmaker’s imagination transfigures personal history into something not of this world, wholly original, and uniquely demented.

— Rachel Syme, New Yorker, 8 May 2026
Altman is the defendant in the case brought by Musk, who’s claiming that OpenAI illegally betrayed the company’s non-profit founding by transfiguring into a for-profit company last year.

— Maggie Harrison Dupré, Futurism, 7 May 2026

Definition of transfigure

Verb

Despite the fact that slavery had been abolished, it was transmuted into a different form, one that America continued to exploit to expand its wealth and industry.

— Leslie Pariseau, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Oct. 2026
The regime transmuted its coercive force into political legitimacy through the spectacular destruction of dissident bodies, restoring reverence for the Eagle.

— Abdelrahman ElGendy, Time, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of transmute

Cite this Entry

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

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Synonyms of transform

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