as in gymnast
a performer who twists his or her body into unusual positions
The circus included a contortionist who could put both feet behind her head.
Related Words
Relevance
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 contortionist
In This Way Up, Khuyagaa portrays Mongolian contortionists, symbols of both strength and elegance.
—
Caterina De Biasio, Vogue, 24 Sep. 2025
Creepy contortionists Unreal had a background and wardrobe straight out of Universal Studios Hollywood's Halloween Horror Nights that divided them.
—Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 17 Sep. 2025
The photo above shows Tsetseglen Odgerel, 35, one of Mongolia’s most famous contortionists.
—Cecilia Rodriguez, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2025
Host Terry Crews announced that contortionists Unreal, 10-year-old guitarist Bay Melnick Virgolino, and the Leo High School Choir would be moving forward.
—Raechal Shewfelt, EW.com, 28 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for contortionist
Caterina De Biasio, Vogue, 24 Sep. 2025
Creepy contortionists Unreal had a background and wardrobe straight out of Universal Studios Hollywood's Halloween Horror Nights that divided them.
—Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 17 Sep. 2025
The photo above shows Tsetseglen Odgerel, 35, one of Mongolia’s most famous contortionists.
—Cecilia Rodriguez, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2025
Host Terry Crews announced that contortionists Unreal, 10-year-old guitarist Bay Melnick Virgolino, and the Leo High School Choir would be moving forward.
—Raechal Shewfelt, EW.com, 28 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for contortionist
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contortionist
gymnast
Noun
-
Set to Whitney Houston, Janet Jackson and Stevie Wonder, the routine featured the gymnast’s trademark soaring tumbling passes as well as some cheeky choreography.—
Anna Lazarus Caplan,
PEOPLE,
6 Jan. 2026
-
The youngest boys share a bunk bed and take turns swinging like gymnasts from the top level to the floor.—
Sean Keeler,
Denver Post,
24 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Contortionist.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contortionist. Accessed 22 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
