Synonyms of contort

contort

verb

kən-ˈtȯrt 

as in to distort

to twist (something) out of a natural or normal shape or condition

the acrobat is able to contort his body so that it almost looks like a pretzel

Synonyms & Similar Words

• distort
• deform
• screw
• curl
• torture
• warp
• misshape
• disfigure
• squinch
• deface
• loop
• wring
• spiral
• wind
• wrench
• coil
• wrest
• twine
• wreathe

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• straighten
• unbend
• uncurl

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb contort contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of contort are deform, distort, and warp. While all these words mean "to mar or spoil by or as if by twisting," distort and contort both imply a wrenching from the natural or normal, but contort suggests a more involved twisting and a more grotesque and painful result.

the odd camera angle distorts the figure

disease had contorted her body

When could deform be used to replace contort?

While in some cases nearly identical to contort, deform may imply a change of shape through stress, injury, or accident of growth.

a face deformed by hatred

Where would warp be a reasonable alternative to contort?

The words warp and contort are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, warp indicates an uneven shrinking that bends or twists out of a flat plane.

warped floorboards

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of contort

Spanning from 1967 to 1996, these contorted, expressive figures serve as metaphors for systemic violence, protest, and survival. —Okla Jones, Essence, 4 June 2025

While people contort themselves with alternative theories, the answer has been in front of us all along. —Marshall Shepherd, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025

Instead of throwing to Crochet, Toro contorted his body, and made an awkward but successful throw to Carlos Narváez for the tag at home, preventing the Rays from tying the game. —Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 12 July 2025

Pundits contorted themselves to figure out O’Brien’s game. —Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 10 July 2025