bend 1 of 2

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as in to aim
to point or turn (something) toward a target or goal bent all of his efforts toward making his first documentary film

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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as in to curve
to turn away from a straight line or course the stream bends slightly to the east

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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bend

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noun

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 bend
Verb
In the course of a few weeks, Paramount has bent the knee and paid $16 million to Donald Trump to resolve a frivolous lawsuit, giving him a huge victory over CBS News. Michael Schneider, Variety, 31 July 2025 India’s moment of full assertion may still lie ahead, but its ability to bend without breaking, to engage without surrender, is not a sign of strategic failure. Nirupama Rao, Foreign Affairs, 30 July 2025
Noun
This 550-foot sheer cliff overlooks a sweeping bend in the Buffalo River. arkansasonline.com, 6 July 2025 The weather is turning warmer and spring is fast approaching in Nashville and Middle Tennessee, which means summer break is just around the bend. Rachel Wegner, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for bend
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bend
Verb
  • Like claws to the earth, mangrove roots arched their way into the marsh, thirsty for the nutrients St. Lucia had to offer.
    Marlise Kast-Myers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Aug. 2025
  • Softly arching habit of growth that melds into its surroundings?
    Neil Sperry, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 July 2025
Verb
  • Independent directors now devote 300-plus hours a year reviewing packs, joining site visits and scenario rehearsals.
    Marie Holive, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2025
  • Moyer was a loving mother and devoted Christian, as well as an avid reader and writer, according to her obituary.
    Angie Leventis Lourgos, Chicago Tribune, 2 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Since then, Cincinnati police have launched a roving task force, a drone program, more visible patrols and several other programs aimed at increasing safety in the neighborhoods where residents come to work and visit for entertainment: Downtown and Over-the-Rhine.
    Cameron Knight, The Enquirer, 13 Aug. 2025
  • The initiative aims to support local musicians who often face challenges with affordable parking.
    Audrey Gibbs, The Tennessean, 13 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • If the Bermuda High weakens, the storm may curve out to sea.
    Doyle Rice, USA Today, 5 Aug. 2025
  • Look up, and the ceiling curves over you, its wooden beams making the place feel almost like a giant shelter tucked into the mountain.
    Jordi Lippe-McGraw, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Launching a token too early can distort user behavior and lock in flawed assumptions in the product.
    Alex Topchishvili, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2025
  • But locals point to unseen things that distort the peace of the natural area.
    Laura Schulte, jsonline.com, 1 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Lee Hall is still attached to complete the screenplay.
    Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 7 Aug. 2025
  • Sharon, as well as her and Ozzy’s children, Jack and Aimee Osbourne, were attached to produce alongside Polygram’s Michele Anthony and David Blackman and Sony’s Andrea Giannetti.
    Andrew McGowan, Variety, 7 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • The findings suggest that curvature, rather than complete linearity, is more common in slip paths.
    Sara Hashemi, Smithsonian Magazine, 24 July 2025
  • Finally, weather radar beams and their ability to detect storms are affected by Earth’s curvature.
    Marshall Shepherd, Forbes.com, 19 July 2025
Noun
  • The National Hurricane Center’s Wednesday mid-morning forecast track now shows a tilt north on Monday, a move that — for now — keeps Puerto Rico and some of the eastern Caribbean islands directly out of the cone of uncertainty.
    Alex Harris, Miami Herald, 13 Aug. 2025
  • Its best hope may be nudging the United Nations to a less Western tilt.
    Nick Thomas, The Washington Examiner, 8 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Bend.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bend. Accessed 19 Aug. 2025.

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