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

To strip her name from her and contort it into a term that is most often used to degrade artists who look like her is simply dehumanizing. —Kyle Denis, Billboard, 11 Feb. 2025

The system's extra size also allows for Joy-Cons that are expanded just enough to be much better suited for adult hands, with much less need for grown-ups to contort into a claw-like grip just to get a solid hold. —ArsTechnica, 3 Apr. 2025

Nearly a century and a half later spoke, hordes of corporate lobbyists still seek to contort the tariff schedule every which way for their respective employers’ narrow benefit. —David B. McGarry, Baltimore Sun, 30 Mar. 2025

But the defense really stepped up along the perimeter, contorting a highly efficient Tritons offense into unsightly shooting (23.3 percent from 3-point range, 38.7 percent overall). —Steven Louis Goldstein, The Athletic, 22 Mar. 2025