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 Researchers have unveiled a fast, eco-friendly technique that could transform lithium battery production. Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 25 Oct. 2025 Discover how one DIYer transformed stock cabinets into custom-looking pieces and saved over $5,000. Kathy Barnes, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Oct. 2025 The project’s vision includes restaurants, bars, shops, and event spaces — transforming the historic span into a vibrant public gathering place just steps from the Hy-Vee Arena. Neil Nakahodo, Kansas City Star, 25 Oct. 2025 While the cease-fire is essential to prevent further injury and death, humanitarian aid to the 2 million inhabitants of Gaza is vital to begin transforming their situations. Anna Halford, Time, 25 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for transform
Recent Examples of Synonyms for transform
Verb
  • Inside the hole, that spin makes the ball roll along the cylinder like a mini-pendulum, converting potential energy into spin and then back again.
    Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2025
  • That total recently got a boost from Father Joe’s Villages, which converted one of its downtown shelters into a detox and sober-living program.
    Blake Nelson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Built on the bones of the Thunderbird Motel (born 1962), it was purchased by Andre Balazs and remodeled into a millennial party palace, beckoning to budget scenesters far and wide from 1999 until its closure in 2021.
    Seth Abramovitch, HollywoodReporter, 3 Nov. 2025
  • For comparison, around the same time, McDonald’s remodeled a vast majority of its US restaurants, adding digital kiosks and refreshed interiors.
    Jordan Valinsky, CNN Money, 31 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Henrot transfigures her erotic source material into something else.
    Harmon Siegel, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2025
  • According to sources, Alchemised began as Dramione before being transfigured into a dark romantasy.
    Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 10 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • In the business classic Extraordinary Popular Delusions and the Madness of Crowds, Charles Mackay examined the psychology of crowd behavior and mass hysteria throughout history, from the Dutch Tulip Mania of the 1630s to humanity’s historical obsession with transmuting base metals into gold.
    Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Fortune, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Onyx is believed to absorb and transmute negativity; hence, it is widely used as a protective stone.
    Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 6 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Transform.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/transform. Accessed 8 Nov. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on transform

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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