distorted

adjective

dis·​tort·​ed di-ˈstȯr-təd How to pronounce distorted (audio)
Synonyms of distortednext
: 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

Examples of distorted in a Sentence

surgery to correct a distorted foot
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Rewiring the fear response The second big part of the training uses cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help participants work on changing distorted thinking patterns that equate the presence of adrenaline with the presence of a real threat. Evan Roberts, NPR, 24 Feb. 2026 To Kyle, Camille is a woman who rewrites history, reminiscent of Kyle’s sister’s wilfull denial of her addiction issues, which forces Kyle to live in a distorted narrative. Literary Hub, 24 Feb. 2026 But there are growing signs of creeping financial pain, linked to a distorted war economy. Matthew Chance, CNN Money, 21 Feb. 2026 In the absence of a community process which provides emotional and psychological checks and balances, participants can carry distorted perceptions about themselves into the quotidian world. Erica Rex, STAT, 19 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for distorted

Word History

First Known Use

1579, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of distorted was in 1579

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Cite this Entry

“Distorted.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/distorted. Accessed 2 Mar. 2026.

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