Synonym Chooser

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 Big Ten football returns on Saturday when Michigan (4-2) faces off against Washington (5-1) in a clash that could transform either team’s season. Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Oct. 2025 The sun ducks down and sets Conejo Mountain against warm pinks and purples, transforming the ridgeline into an epic silhouette. Brian Hamilton, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025 Abandoned by society yet driven by resilience, Hajeer transforms silence into strength, composing a symphony of redemption and love. Essie Assibu, Variety, 17 Oct. 2025 What’s more, Murnau and screenwriter Henrik Galeen transformed Stoker’s novel into an enigmatic fairy tale. Robert Eggers, HollywoodReporter, 17 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for transform
Recent Examples of Synonyms for transform
Verb
  • The cells convert natural gas, hydrogen, or biogas into electricity through a clean electro-chemical process rather than dirty combustion.
    Jordan Blum, Fortune, 16 Oct. 2025
  • The system mimics how the human body generates energy from food, using enzymes and natural molecules to convert glucose into usable power.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The space, which was once a Blockbuster video store, was completely remodeled.
    Susan Selasky, Freep.com, 13 Oct. 2025
  • The wing has also been fully remodeled, now housing the brand-new Actions Ring button.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 12 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Henrot transfigures her erotic source material into something else.
    Harmon Siegel, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2025
  • According to sources, Alchemised began as Dramione before being transfigured into a dark romantasy.
    Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 10 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • In the business classic Extraordinary Popular Delusions and the Madness of Crowds, Charles Mackay examined the psychology of crowd behavior and mass hysteria throughout history, from the Dutch Tulip Mania of the 1630s to humanity’s historical obsession with transmuting base metals into gold.
    Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Fortune, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Onyx is believed to absorb and transmute negativity; hence, it is widely used as a protective stone.
    Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 6 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Transform.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/transform. Accessed 20 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on transform

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