Synonyms of deform

deform

verb

di-ˈfȯrm 

as in to distort

to twist (something) out of a natural or normal shape or condition

a cynic whose face seems to be permanently deformed by a sneer

Synonyms & Similar Words

• distort
• contort
• screw
• curl
• misshape
• warp
• torture
• disfigure
• deface
• squinch
• loop
• coil
• spiral
• wind
• wring
• wrench
• twine
• wrest
• wreathe

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• straighten
• unbend
• uncurl

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb deform contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of deform are contort, distort, and warp. While all these words mean "to mar or spoil by or as if by twisting," deform may imply a change of shape through stress, injury, or accident of growth.

a face deformed by hatred

How are the words distort and contort related as synonyms of deform?

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 can warp be used instead of deform?

In some situations, the words warp and deform are roughly equivalent. However, warp indicates an uneven shrinking that bends or twists out of a flat plane.

warped floorboards

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of deform

Researchers have developed a Particle-armored liquid robot (PB), a liquid-particle composite capable of deforming, engulfing, and merging without losing its structure. —Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 21 Mar. 2025

The elements were slowly crushing the base as the gradual movement of the ice sheet deformed the structures. —Katie Hunt, CNN, 15 Mar. 2025

Vincent attempts through various means to convince people of this infiltration of aliens who appear as normal humans except for their emotionless personalities and deformed little fingers on their hands. —Jeff Spry, Space.com, 11 Mar. 2025

But the new system has come with frustrations, as some residents have complained of long wait times for the carts — some of which are deformed once they are delivered. —Elliott Wenzler, The Denver Post, 26 Feb. 2025