distorted

adjective

dis·​tort·​ed di-ˈstȯr-təd 

: altered from a true, natural, or normal state, shape, or condition

a distorted image

a distorted view/understanding of the situation

a distorted account of what happened

The public is, I believe, dimly aware of this aspect of ethnography, perhaps in romantically distorted ways, but aware nonetheless.

—Roy A. Rappaport

What happens is that you realize people in other countries tend to reach distorted conclusions about the U.S., and you feel obligated to provide what you believe is a full and balanced appraisal.

—Norman Cousins

Synonyms of distorted

• monstrous
• deformed
• misshapen
• malformed
• mutant

Examples of distorted in a Sentence

surgery to correct a distorted foot

Recent Examples on the Web

More uncomfortable than the album’s distorted genrebending are Han’s lyrics, which narrate confessional and confrontational male desire. —James Gui, Pitchfork, 3 Feb. 2026

Sombr’s rendition strips the track back emotionally while reshaping it sonically, layering distorted vocals and a driving indie-rock pulse over the song’s core melody. —Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 31 Jan. 2026

This film is a succinct display of craft in writing, directing, acting, and a deeply insightful depiction of the distorted state of American values today. —Matthew Carey, Deadline, 28 Jan. 2026

Ten years is a long time, even longer through the distorted lens of music consumption in the streaming age. —Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 28 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1579, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for distorted

• aborted
• assorted
• comported
• consorted
• contorted
• deported
• escorted
• exhorted
• exported
• extorted
• imported
• purported