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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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
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These developments do not rise to a level where AI can be said to be distorting the economy.—
Phillip Molnar,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
13 May 2026
Verb
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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
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Like stirring honey instead of water, deforming a thicker, more viscous interior requires more energy.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
17 Dec. 2025
Verb
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Bobby Atkinson, 37, is accused of threatening to kill his wife during a morning altercation at their Louisville home before allegedly torturing her dogs, Brooklyn and Seven, according to the Louisville Courier Journal, WAVE and WKRC.—
Christina Coulter,
PEOPLE,
25 May 2026
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Others believe that extraterrestrials are imparting divine wisdom, or are simply torturing us, like a child pulling the legs off an insect.—
Dani Di Placido,
Forbes.com,
22 May 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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Veteran midfielder LaBonta scored in the 40th minute and reigning National Women’s Soccer League MVP Chawinga netted her sixth goal of the season in the 62nd, curling the ball around the Thorns’ goalkeeper.—
Jeff Rosen,
Kansas City Star,
24 May 2026
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Another indicator of ripeness is the tendril (the curling bit of vine), which will turn dry and brown when the melon is ready to harvest.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
23 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Contorting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contorting. Accessed 30 May. 2026.
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