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

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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
British astronomer Arthur Eddington knew that, under Einstein’s hypothesis, the sun should bend the light of other stars. Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 11 Aug. 2026 Created by Katie Dippold, the genre-bending series launched on the streamer at the end of April and quickly found an audience largely through word of mouth. Los Angeles Times, 11 Aug. 2026
Noun
Maintain a soft bend in your knees while performing this movement. Alexandra Frost, USA Today, 30 July 2026 Google has introduced Gemini Robotics 2, a new robotics model designed to control entire humanoid robots, giving them the ability to walk, bend, balance, and manipulate objects while completing complex tasks. Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 30 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for bend
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bend
Verb
  • The ceilings were arched and line with skylights, allowing natural light to illuminate the space.
    Desiree Mathurin, Charlotte Observer, 12 Aug. 2026
  • The ceiling arches in the back, hiding a tiny alcove where a couple sits tucked close, their legs tangled beneath the table.
    Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 12 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Most parenting plans address physical custody and time-sharing, but many devote little attention to the challenges of managing a child’s education and extracurricular activities.
    Rebecca L. Palmer, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 Aug. 2026
  • As a result, many web hosting services offer the platform, with WP Engine devoting all its resources to it.
    Gabriel Zamora, PC Magazine, 13 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Mistruths, false claims, scams, and other deceptive efforts are tricking people into thinking that a watermark removal app will do wonders, whereas the reality is that the results are at best half-mixed or aimed to cause damage.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Analysts say the Houthis appear to be mobilizing for an offensive that would aim to take more of the Red Sea coastline.
    Charlotte Reck, CNN Money, 16 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • The boats are flanked by cascading waterfalls, and mountains that appear to curve in on themselves.
    Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Its bright red star Antares marks the heart of the scorpion, with a curving tail extending downward toward the horizon.
    Jamie Carter, Space.com, 14 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • This can, in turn, distort their expectations of real relationships.
    Megan Kelly, The Conversation, 13 Aug. 2026
  • The layer can distort incoming starlight before sensors can process it.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 12 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • There are multiple red flags attached to the tie with Tromso.
    Andy Naylor, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Sculptor Oscar Leon made the statue with the ball attached to the right hand of Fox, who was flipping it to Aparicio.
    Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • McCoy lives with severe spinal curvature disorder and a chest protrusion caused by a childhood surgery.
    Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026
  • This cushion was designed by physical therapists to fit the curvature of your back.
    BestReviews, Mercury News, 31 July 2026
Noun
  • College football will be in the heart of its schedule by mid-October, making this tilt an important one for each team.
    PJ Green August 16, Kansas City Star, 16 Aug. 2026
  • The true test for the Mets in this NL East tilt was whether or not the replacement bullpen arms could hold slim leads.
    Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 15 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Bend.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bend. Accessed 18 Aug. 2026.

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