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 Melton partnered with Wayne Johnson and Tony Perry, two nightlife impresarios who had already transformed D.C.’s after-dark culture. Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 17 June 2025 Her presence alone can transform a song into a drama. Jan Gradvall june 17, Literary Hub, 17 June 2025 His visionary leadership not only shaped the modern beauty landscape, but also transformed how the world experiences this vibrant and ever-evolving industry. Jenny B. Fine, Footwear News, 17 June 2025 Horse racing is in his blood almost as much as the football club that the lifelong Brighton fan has transformed over the past 16 years with his own money. Andy Naylor, New York Times, 17 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for transform
Recent Examples of Synonyms for transform
Verb
  • For example, lead scoring is a great starting point: AI can quickly sort through historical data to highlight which leads are most likely to convert.
    David Kelley, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025
  • Boos rained down much of the evening, with frustration directed at the referees and the Checkers’ inability to convert on their powerplay opportunities.
    Hunter Bailey, Charlotte Observer, 24 June 2025
Verb
  • The agency has also purchased hundreds of E-Transit delivery vans from Ford and spent more than half a billion dollars remodeling its outdated mail and package sorting facilities to accommodate electric and low-emissions vehicles.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 22 June 2025
  • Daniels compares the process to remodeling a house.
    Maribel Lopez, Forbes.com, 17 June 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
  • 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
  • Perhaps the toughest part of finally finishing the book was continuing to come across material — during, for example, a summer 2024 expedition into L.A.’s dental veneer culture — that could no longer be transmuted into fiction.
    Gary Baum, HollywoodReporter, 16 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Transform.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/transform. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on transform

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