Definition of bendnext
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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

2 of 2

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
Kudos go not only to the Panthers offense but to a defense that bent a lot but rarely broke. — Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 5 Oct. 2026 Las Vegas pressured Mahomes all day, as Crosby shared a sack with defensive tackle Adam Butler, and linebacker Quay Walker bent the edge to take down Mahomes in the red zone. — Pete Sweeney october 5, Kansas City Star, 5 Oct. 2026
Noun
Day and night aren't exactly 12 hours long on the day of the equinox because the Earth's atmosphere refracts, or bends, light in an optical illusion that brings more daylight than there really is. — Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 22 Sep. 2026 But then, somewhere past the point where impatience would have quit, the curve bends, and the results stop looking modest at all. — Richard Ceffalio, Forbes.com, 22 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for bend
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bend
Verb
  • Terracotta tiles are at his feet; behind him is a gnarled pine tree, arching toward the sea.
    — Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 28 Sep. 2026
  • Its initial trajectory after stage separation will put the spacecraft on the same course as previous flights, arching toward a reentry and splashdown in the Indian Ocean.
    — Josh Dinner, Space.com, 26 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Reactions, however, ranged from pure fascination and respect for his 12-year project to critics questioning whether Tomlin, who parted ways with the Steelers in January of this year, had devoted too much time to his virtual city.
    — Preston Fore, Fortune, 11 Oct. 2026
  • Now heading into its 14th edition alongside the Lumière Film Festival, run by Cannes chief Thierry Frémaux, the MIFC remains relatively small but occupies a unique position as a marketplace devoted entirely to classic and heritage film.
    — Lise Pedersen, Variety, 9 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • At some point, the Rams aim to have all of their pass rushers available at the same time.
    — Gary Klein, Los Angeles Times, 10 Oct. 2026
  • All three are aiming to make their chains more like local mom-and-pop stores.
    — Phil Wahba, Fortune, 10 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • The space seamlessly flows into a dining area and a custom kitchen outfitted with curving cabinetry, stainless steel shelving, Caesarstone countertops, a contoured island, and a breakfast nook.
    — Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Designed by Behar Font & Partners, the building’s curving silhouette and glass façade evoke the slender form of a tulip blossom.
    — Kieron Marchese, Architectural Digest, 6 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • In a recent opinion piece for The Hollywood Reporter, filmmaker Joseph Kahn accused festival programmers of allowing horror’s commercial appeal to distort their artistic priorities.
    — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 9 Oct. 2026
  • The order and accompanying legislation must be designed so that collecting and disseminating foreign trade secrets advances defense and intelligence priorities and does not unduly distort the free market.
    — DAVID S. COHEN, Foreign Affairs, 8 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Unlike motion-capture systems that rely on rigid sensors attached to clothing, the design uses soft components throughout its sensing surface.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 9 Oct. 2026
  • The hotel is attached to iconic Moody Theater, in the 2nd Street District of downtown Austin, where Austin City Limits Live concerts are taped.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Mike recalled that the effects of the disease were noticeable around the time of his 2011 wedding to Zara, and said his father’s physical decline had included curvature of the spine and subsequent medical problems.
    — Stephanie Petit, PEOPLE, 28 Sep. 2026
  • An ant living deep inside the snow globe can’t easily detect any curvature, and therefore can’t tell the difference between anti-de Sitter and de Sitter space.
    — Quanta Magazine, Quanta Magazine, 25 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Isaias is likely losing its tilt and straightening and flying right and strong.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Simple tilt fix Researchers found that tilting a cell relative to gravity boosts performance.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 8 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Bend.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bend. Accessed 13 Oct. 2026.

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