Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of transform are convert, metamorphose, transfigure, transmogrify, and transmute. While all these words mean "to change a thing into a different thing," transform implies a major change in form, nature, or function.

transformed a small company into a corporate giant

When would convert be a good substitute for transform?

The words convert and transform are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, convert implies a change fitting something for a new or different use or function.

converted the study into a nursery

When is metamorphose a more appropriate choice than transform?

While the synonyms metamorphose and transform are close in meaning, 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 transfigure instead of transform?

The words transfigure and transform can be used in similar contexts, but transfigure implies a change that exalts or glorifies.

joy transfigured her face

When might transmogrify be a better fit than transform?

In some situations, the words transmogrify and transform are roughly equivalent. However, transmogrify suggests a strange or preposterous metamorphosis.

a story in which a frog is transmogrified into a prince

When can transmute be used instead of transform?

The synonyms transmute and transform 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 transform The Democratic minority leader sees a path for his party to regain majorities in Congress — even the Senate — due to its unified opposition to President Donald Trump’s tax-and-spending bill, which is set to transform the US economy over the next few years. Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 11 July 2025 Pageant Director Diane Challis Davy and her volunteer researchers selected 12 museums, along with several art sites within driving distance from the pageant, culling works intriguing enough to be transformed into the show’s signature tableaux vivants, or living pictures. Daniella Walsh, Oc Register, 10 July 2025 Cole helped rework the floor plan, knocking down walls to create an open-concept living area, dining space, and kitchen while transforming the three-bedroom, two-bath layout into a four-bedroom, three-bath abode with a spacious new primary suite and a laundry room on the main floor. Lennie Omalza, The Courier-Journal, 10 July 2025 One proposal being out forward by the experts is to transform the DGCA into an independent, oversight body along the lines of U.K.’s Civil Aviation Authority. Vasuki Shastry, Forbes.com, 29 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for transform
Recent Examples of Synonyms for transform
Verb
  • And while consumer awareness is growing, education is still needed; overly complex terpene profiles can confuse rather than convert new buyers.
    Peter Su, Rolling Stone, 15 July 2025
  • Through these innovations, the Sierra Energy has demonstrated a comprehensive, closed-loop solution for converting waste into clean energy and reusable materials—paving the way for a more sustainable future in both transportation and energy production.
    David Blekhman, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
Verb
  • In preparation for the Ryder Cup, the course was redesigned by Fazio’s son, Tom Fazio II and was remodeled between 2018 and 2021.
    Carrie Coolidge, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
  • Meanwhile, some owners of city properties in sections of San Francisco with many older homes that have been remodeled in recent years (like Noe Valley and the Mission District) have seen their policies canceled even though few claims have been made in those districts.
    Thomas Elias, Mercury News, 11 July 2025
Verb
  • The Davis Center opened last month, transfiguring six acres at the north end of Central Park.
    Michael Kimmelman, New York Times, 29 May 2025
  • In each instance, the duties of the office transfigured the man into a sign and symbol of hope in the face of death.
    The Editors, National Review, 21 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Unparalleled at spotting the absurd and transmuting it into comic relief, turning what stings into what saves us.
    Lynette Rice, Deadline, 9 July 2025
  • Turning to drawing as a way to transmute her emotions, Ojih Odutola became a vessel for stories that seemed to write themselves, drawing deeply from her Igbo and Yoruba heritage.
    Essence, Essence, 17 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Transform.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/transform. Accessed 25 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on transform

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