Synonyms of transfigure

transfigure

verb

tran(t)s-ˈfi-gyər 

as in to transform

to change in form, appearance, or use

married life has seemingly transfigured his formerly aimless existence

Synonyms & Similar Words

• transform
• convert
• transmute
• metamorphose
• remodel
• rework
• replace
• transubstantiate
• transpose
• alchemize
• alter
• modify
• adjust
• recast
• redefine
• redesign
• revise
• make over
• reengineer
• mutate
• refashion
• disfigure
• deform
• distort
• supplant
• redo
• regenerate
• transmogrify
• remake
• revamp
• vary
• substitute
• displace

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of transfigure are convert, metamorphose, transform, transmogrify, and transmute. While all these words mean "to change a thing into a different thing," transfigure implies a change that exalts or glorifies.

joy transfigured her face

When might convert be a better fit than transfigure?

The meanings of convert and transfigure largely overlap; however, convert implies a change fitting something for a new or different use or function.

converted the study into a nursery

When could metamorphose be used to replace transfigure?

The words metamorphose and transfigure can be used in similar contexts, but 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 is it sensible to use transform instead of transfigure?

The synonyms transform and transfigure are sometimes interchangeable, but transform implies a major change in form, nature, or function.

transformed a small company into a corporate giant

In what contexts can transmogrify take the place of transfigure?

The words transmogrify and transfigure are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, transmogrify suggests a strange or preposterous metamorphosis.

a story in which a frog is transmogrified into a prince

Where would transmute be a reasonable alternative to transfigure?

While the synonyms transmute and transfigure are close in meaning, transmute implies transforming into a higher element or thing.

attempted to transmute lead into gold

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of transfigure

Thus the god of the clan, the totemic principle, can be none other than the clan itself, but the clan transfigured and imagined. —Glenn Adamson, Artforum, 2 May 2026

And as our correspondence has moved largely online – transfiguring into WhatsApp messages, video calls, or just an exchange of memes – our communication and language have changed accordingly. —Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 30 Dec. 2025

Advertisement Colson Whitehead, one of America’s most celebrated novelists, concludes his Harlem-set trilogy with protagonist Ray Carney and his family facing down fresh threats in a New York City transfigured by the whiplash of Ronald Reagan’s conservatism. —Hamilton Cain, Time, 22 Dec. 2025

According to sources, Alchemised began as Dramione before being transfigured into a dark romantasy. —Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 10 Sep. 2025