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
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Recent Examples of deformation
Scientists inferred signs of deformation from earthquakes strong enough to reach the planet’s heart.
—
Ashley Strickland, CNN, 15 Feb. 2025
The scientists found unexplained variations in some of those waves, pointing to physical deformations in the inner core.
—Sara Hashemi, Smithsonian Magazine, 12 Feb. 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
This activity is most likely the cause for the deformation at the center of the volcanic system, the paper notes.
—Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 30 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for deformation
Ashley Strickland, CNN, 15 Feb. 2025
The scientists found unexplained variations in some of those waves, pointing to physical deformations in the inner core.
—Sara Hashemi, Smithsonian Magazine, 12 Feb. 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
This activity is most likely the cause for the deformation at the center of the volcanic system, the paper notes.
—Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 30 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for deformation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deformation
Noun
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Don’t get caught in your own reality distortion field.—
Jodie Cook,
Forbes.com,
7 Aug. 2025
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The official story told by official sources, the story we’ve been trained to trust, is often a distortion, or a downright fabrication.—
Jesse Hyde,
Rolling Stone,
7 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Scarring or deformity: Scar tissue can form as ear piercings heal, which can cause permanent scarring or changes to the ear’s shape.—
Mark Gurarie,
Verywell Health,
22 Apr. 2025
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Doing so may also reduce the risk of foot deformities and walking disabilities.11 Meanwhile, having foot problems can significantly affect your quality of life, particularly for women.12 Diseases can also affect shoe size and foot health.—
Sherri Gordon,
Health,
29 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Deformation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deformation. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.
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