Thesaurus results for TRANSMUTE

Q: How is the word 'transmute' different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of transmute are convert , metamorphose , transfigure , transform , and transmogrify . While all these words mean "to change a thing into a different thing," transmute implies transforming into a higher element or thing. // attempted to transmute lead into gold

Q: When might 'convert' be a better fit than 'transmute'?

Although the words convert and transmute have much in common, convert implies a change fitting something for a new or different use or function. // converted the study into a nursery

Q: When is it sensible to use 'metamorphose' instead of 'transmute'?

The words metamorphose and transmute are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 'transfigure' a more appropriate choice than 'transmute'?

The meanings of transfigure and transmute largely overlap; however, transfigure implies a change that exalts or glorifies. // joy transfigured her face

Q: When would 'transform' be a good substitute for 'transmute'?

The words transform and transmute can be used in similar contexts, but transform implies a major change in form, nature, or function. // transformed a small company into a corporate giant

Q: In what contexts can 'transmogrify' take the place of 'transmute'?

While the synonyms transmogrify and transmute are close in meaning, transmogrify suggests a strange or preposterous metamorphosis. // a story in which a frog is transmogrified into a prince

transmute

verb

tran(t)s-ˈmyüt

Definition of transmute

as in to transform

to change in form, appearance, or use in his elegy on his deceased wife, the poet has transmuted inconsolable grief into high art

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Synonym Chooser

How is the word transmute different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of transmute are convert, metamorphose, transfigure, transform, and transmogrify. While all these words mean "to change a thing into a different thing," transmute implies transforming into a higher element or thing.

attempted to transmute lead into gold

When might convert be a better fit than transmute?

Although the words convert and transmute have much in common, convert implies a change fitting something for a new or different use or function.

converted the study into a nursery

When is it sensible to use metamorphose instead of transmute?

The words metamorphose and transmute are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 transfigure a more appropriate choice than transmute?

The meanings of transfigure and transmute largely overlap; however, transfigure implies a change that exalts or glorifies.

joy transfigured her face

When would transform be a good substitute for transmute?

The words transform and transmute can be used in similar contexts, but transform implies a major change in form, nature, or function.

transformed a small company into a corporate giant

In what contexts can transmogrify take the place of transmute?

While the synonyms transmogrify and transmute are close in meaning, transmogrify suggests a strange or preposterous metamorphosis.

a story in which a frog is transmogrified into a prince

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 transmute That bite and raw intensity produce some of the album’s standout moments, transmuting jungle’s physicality across a wide emotional range with poetic verve and Nia’s woody, vulnerable, yet strident timbre. — Will Pritchard, Pitchfork, 20 July 2026 This is a lot about self-control transmuted into wellness as the outlet. — Teresa Mull, FOXNews.com, 18 July 2026 The idea that art continues to transform and transmute and change. — Angie Martoccio, Rolling Stone, 30 June 2026 Afterwards, group members went on to form several other hugely meaningful outfits such as Slint, Gastr Del Sol, Bastro, Papa M and the For Carnation, transmuting Squirrel Bait’s Reagan-era aggression into more esoteric, impossible-to-classify sonic explorations. — Jonathan Cohen, SPIN, 25 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for transmute

Recent Examples of Synonyms for transmute

Verb

David Roche, a veteran strategist at Quantum Strategy & Geonomics, said the Arctic's importance lies less in its potential to transform global shipping than in the deepening economic dependence between Russia and China.

— Lee Ying Shan,Matthew Tan, CNBC, 27 Oct. 2026
Her refusal to be silent enabled her to transform her personal story into a global movement for justice.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of 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

Browse Nearby Words

transmutations

transmute

transmuted

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Transmute.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/transmute. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of transmute

verb

Synonym Chooser

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

grotesque

Popular in Grammar & Usage

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Why do we 'bury the lede?'

'Za' and 9 Other Words to Help You Win at SCRABBLE

Popular

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Games & Quizzes