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
  • This disciplined recovery is vital in areas such as forecasting, where flawed workflows can distort decisions far beyond finance.
    Rajesh Gharpure, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026
  • The biggest concern are realistic-looking visuals that subtly distort scientific details while remaining believable enough to pass initial review.
    Nan Li, The Conversation, 22 June 2026
Verb
  • But the same dystopian phenomenon is contorting the whole labor market.
    Annie Lowrey, The Atlantic, 2 June 2026
  • Search the internet and there are coaches and players spotted sniffing the ammonia inhalants before a game, with their instant reactions — a noticeable head jerk or contorted face — going viral.
    Jason Jones, New York Times, 15 May 2026
Verb
  • Now, Greg is screwed because, one week in, everyone is having a great time.
    Joe Kinsey OutKick, FOXNews.com, 18 June 2026
  • Do you guys sit in a circle and talk about visceral ways to screw over people?
    Carita Rizzo, Deadline, 16 June 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Deform.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deform. Accessed 25 Jun. 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