Synonym Chooser

How is the word metamorphose different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of metamorphose are convert, transfigure, transform, transmogrify, and transmute. While all these words mean "to change a thing into a different thing," metamorphose suggests an abrupt or startling change induced by or as if by magic or a supernatural power.

awkward girls metamorphosed into graceful ballerinas

When can convert be used instead of metamorphose?

While the synonyms convert and metamorphose are close in meaning, convert implies a change fitting something for a new or different use or function.

converted the study into a nursery

When might transfigure be a better fit than metamorphose?

While in some cases nearly identical to metamorphose, transfigure implies a change that exalts or glorifies.

joy transfigured her face

When is transform a more appropriate choice than metamorphose?

Although the words transform and metamorphose have much in common, transform implies a major change in form, nature, or function.

transformed a small company into a corporate giant

When is it sensible to use transmogrify instead of metamorphose?

The words transmogrify and metamorphose can be used in similar contexts, but transmogrify suggests a strange or preposterous metamorphosis.

a story in which a frog is transmogrified into a prince

When would transmute be a good substitute for metamorphose?

The synonyms transmute and metamorphose are sometimes interchangeable, but transmute implies transforming into a higher element or thing.

attempted to transmute lead into gold

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 metamorphose Others metamorphose into snakes or birds. Y-Jean Mun-Delsalle, ARTnews.com, 27 Mar. 2025 In Wildcat Dome, objects speak, memories take on physical form, and metamorphoses abound. Robert Rubsam, The Atlantic, 24 Mar. 2025 Male Darwin’s frogs actually carry tadpoles inside their vocal sacs as a protective act while the larvae metamorphose into froglets. Ashley Strickland, CNN, 8 Feb. 2025 If the robot, who frequently metamorphoses, gives shape to some form of justice, it’s flayed down to a name. Elisa Gonzalez, The New Yorker, 3 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for metamorphose
Recent Examples of Synonyms for metamorphose
Verb
  • Fungi transform materials that plants and animals otherwise wouldn’t be able to use to their benefit.
    Lauren Oster, Smithsonian Magazine, 12 May 2025
  • The Kazakh Uranium Supply The race toward the AI future is transforming geopolitics.
    Ariel Cohen, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025
Verb
  • Apple and Google have also made efforts to remove AI services that convert clothed images into manipulated nude ones from their app stores and search results.
    Clare Duffy, CNN Money, 19 May 2025
  • Scheffler has now successfully converted his first three 54-hole leads or co-leads in majors, something done only nine other times in the modern era.
    Justin Ray, New York Times, 19 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Metamorphose.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/metamorphose. Accessed 22 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on metamorphose

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