as in distorting
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
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Recent Examples of contorting
For more serious cavers who are at least 16 years old, this summer-only, four-hour tour requires crawling, climbing, and contorting.
—
Robert Annis, Midwest Living, 14 May 2026
Despite the complex, stream-of-consciousness lyrics, hundreds of mouths could be seen contorting word-for-word with Springsteen’s, giving the show an intimate, local bar atmosphere.
—Orlando Sentinel Staff, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 Apr. 2026
Despite some obvious physical scarring and a seeming predilection for contorting her body in creepy ways, Katie seems pretty healthy, or so the Egyptian doctors tell her parents.
—Gregory Nussen, Deadline, 16 Apr. 2026
Subtlety never stood a chance, with Cardi leaning fully into the chaos all night — chopping the air with her arms, sticking out her tongue, whipping her head, contorting her body, dropping into splits and backbends without warning.
—Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 13 Apr. 2026
But first and foremost, Bad Omens are gifted musicians, and whatever eldritch magic Sebastian wields onstage will always be bolstered by a serious band contorting metal, dark pop and electronic music.
—Los Angeles Times, 27 Mar. 2026
In the first round of the 1993 tournament, against LSU Kidd’s drive through the lane and body-contorting, banker high off the backboard with one second left gave Cal a 66-64 win.
—Brad Townsend, Dallas Morning News, 19 Mar. 2026
But film and television stars lately have been contorting themselves to say less.
—Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 5 Feb. 2026
The Thunder, contorting around the Frenchman’s wingspan, shot better than 68 percent inside the paint on just one fewer attempt than San Antonio.
—Joel Lorenzi, New York Times, 14 Jan. 2026
Robert Annis, Midwest Living, 14 May 2026
Despite the complex, stream-of-consciousness lyrics, hundreds of mouths could be seen contorting word-for-word with Springsteen’s, giving the show an intimate, local bar atmosphere.
—Orlando Sentinel Staff, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 Apr. 2026
Despite some obvious physical scarring and a seeming predilection for contorting her body in creepy ways, Katie seems pretty healthy, or so the Egyptian doctors tell her parents.
—Gregory Nussen, Deadline, 16 Apr. 2026
Subtlety never stood a chance, with Cardi leaning fully into the chaos all night — chopping the air with her arms, sticking out her tongue, whipping her head, contorting her body, dropping into splits and backbends without warning.
—Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 13 Apr. 2026
But first and foremost, Bad Omens are gifted musicians, and whatever eldritch magic Sebastian wields onstage will always be bolstered by a serious band contorting metal, dark pop and electronic music.
—Los Angeles Times, 27 Mar. 2026
In the first round of the 1993 tournament, against LSU Kidd’s drive through the lane and body-contorting, banker high off the backboard with one second left gave Cal a 66-64 win.
—Brad Townsend, Dallas Morning News, 19 Mar. 2026
But film and television stars lately have been contorting themselves to say less.
—Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 5 Feb. 2026
The Thunder, contorting around the Frenchman’s wingspan, shot better than 68 percent inside the paint on just one fewer attempt than San Antonio.
—Joel Lorenzi, New York Times, 14 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contorting
Verb
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These beams of light allow scientists to see how our planet's ever-changing atmosphere might be distorting incoming light, which is critical for accurately analyzing telescope observations.—
Chelsea Gohd,
Space.com,
27 May 2026
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In a forthcoming paper, Miran will argue along with two Fed economists that recent software inflation has been artificially inflated by technical factors, distorting headline and core numbers.—
Matt Peterson,Steve Liesman,
CNBC,
15 May 2026
Verb
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When oil wells are shut in, the pressure underground can become imbalanced, deforming the underlying structure.—
David Goldman,
CNN Money,
27 May 2026
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Their atoms are held together by strong chemical bonds and arranged in a stable crystal structure that resists deforming, even at extreme temperatures.—
Vitor Rielli,
The Conversation,
4 Mar. 2026
Verb
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She was arrested at a hotel near the barn and booked at the Clark County Juvenile Hall on 12 counts of animal cruelty, including intentionally aiming or torturing a horse, as well as three counts of malicious destruction of property.—
Emily Mae Czachor,
CBS News,
1 June 2026
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She was later transported to the Clark County Juvenile Hall and charged with 12 counts of willful or malicious killing, maiming or torturing an animal and three counts of felony malicious destruction of private property valued at more than $5,000, police said.—
Julia Bonavita,
FOXNews.com,
1 June 2026
Verb
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Put the stopper back in the sink before re-screwing the pivot nut, horizontal rod, and sliding your under sink items back into place.—
Ashlyn Needham,
Southern Living,
8 May 2026
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Finally, the professional will install hangers to reinforce your gutters before screwing the mesh guard on top.—
Faith Wakefield,
USA Today,
4 May 2026
Verb
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Plants respond by curling their leaves to reduce sun exposure, which reduces water loss.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
29 May 2026
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Forward Denys Kostyshyn also had a dangerous curling shot tipped just wide by Sarasota goalkeeper Alex Sutton.—
Shaun Goodwin,
Idaho Statesman,
28 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Contorting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contorting. Accessed 8 Jun. 2026.
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