Thesaurus results for TRANSFORM

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

transform

verb

tran(t)s-ˈfȯrm

Definition of transform next

as in to convert

to change in form, appearance, or use by clicking a few buttons, this toy car can be transformed into a robot

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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 Together, taller buildings and faster transit transformed places that were once a mix of residential, business, religion and society to almost exclusively hubs of commerce and government. —

Luis Melecio-Zambrano, Mercury News, 10 June 2026 Travelers are booking flights across oceans not to switch off, but to be transformed. —

Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 10 June 2026 Combined with the country’s porous land border with the Dominican Republic, the deteriorating conditions have helped transform Haiti into a regional transit hub for drug trafficking, the report found. —

Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 10 June 2026 Committing to practice this virtue may transform us and our communities. —

Daryl Van Tongeren, The Conversation, 10 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for transform

Recent Examples of Synonyms for transform

Verb

In a July 2015 memorandum, the county suggested purchasing a lot near the Bethel House to be converted into a parking lot, then give it to the Bethel House upon completion.

— Delia Rose Sauer, Miami Herald, 29 May 2026
In early January, Chan and five other quantum chemists based out of the California Institute of Technology reached a key milestone in understanding the enzyme nitrogenase, which converts atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia and makes life on our planet possible.

— Quanta Magazine, Quanta Magazine, 29 May 2026