as in gymnasts
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 contortionists
They’ve been exhibited at some of the world’s most prominent museums and enliven Española Way in Miami Beach, where his hanging aluminum contortionists marked the 20th anniversary of Art Basel in 2022.
—
Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 7 Dec. 2025
Both are situated in a stunning al fresco dining hall that hosts roving performers like contortionists and acrobats throughout dinner service.
—Sara Liss, Bon Appetit Magazine, 14 Oct. 2025
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
Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 7 Dec. 2025
Both are situated in a stunning al fresco dining hall that hosts roving performers like contortionists and acrobats throughout dinner service.
—Sara Liss, Bon Appetit Magazine, 14 Oct. 2025
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contortionists
gymnasts
Noun
-
To test her hypothesis, Vickers had gymnasts of different skill levels sit with their heads held still in a chin rest.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
29 Jan. 2026
-
While lots of gymnasts have Olympic aspirations, Bell was in the sport for fun, eager to use her natural athleticism and power to learn various flips.—
PJ Green,
Kansas City Star,
17 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Contortionists.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contortionists. Accessed 6 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
