as in distortion
the twisting of something out of its natural or normal shape or condition the catastrophic deformation of the steel girders under the enormous weight of the bridge

Synonyms & Similar 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 deformation According to Graning, doors get squeaky because of hinge wear and tear, wood deformation, and metal rubbing together—all of which naturally happens over time. Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 5 Aug. 2025 Minicameras beneath a protective gel pack that lines the robot’s surface let the sensors visually estimate the gel’s deformation to gain tactile information. IEEE Spectrum, 28 June 2025 The results suggest a high flow of lava increases ground deformation, leading to precursory warning signs that can alert scientists to a potential eruption. Rosie McCall, Discover Magazine, 16 June 2025 Everything from a 15-degree to a 45-degree overhang printed brilliantly without deformation or issue. PC Magazine, 8 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for deformation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deformation
Noun
  • Nicholas is especially attuned to how the distortion of visual perception can trigger a cascade of runaway mental and physical responses.
    Scott Stossel, The Atlantic, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Audio and video calls were clear and free of distortion on both platforms in testing.
    John Brandon, PC Magazine, 9 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Bouton, who endured yearslong treatment for spinal deformities that could have caused paralysis eventually, is happy to be playing at all.
    Dave Melton, Chicago Tribune, 2 Sep. 2025
  • For spinal deformity patients, many of whom have complex medical comorbidities, the anesthesia team maintains safety throughout the procedure.
    Richard Menger MD MPA, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Deformation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deformation. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on deformation

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!