Definition of transformnext

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 Paris Hilton turned heads in her fourth annual Britney Spears homage, Kim Kardashian transformed into daughter North West, and Keke Palmer’s nod to Janet Jackson and Michael Jackson got the seal of approval from Miss Jackson herself. — Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 3 Nov. 2026 Today, Talfan Davies gave press a window into the corporation’s thinking around Sounds and VoD platform BBC iPlayer, which is in the process of being transformed. — Max Goldbart, Deadline, 3 Nov. 2026 Later, it was transformed into a verb and briefly adopted by the manosphere. — Charlotte Reck, CNN Money, 3 Nov. 2026 Imagine nearly half the windshield transformed into a virtual screen that’s visible only to the passenger. — James Riswick, ArsTechnica, 3 Nov. 2026 See All Example Sentences for transform
Recent Examples of Synonyms for transform
Verb
  • Silicon carbide and gallium nitride Silicon carbide and gallium nitride are wide-bandgap semiconductor materials used to control and convert electrical power.
    — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 7 Nov. 2026
  • By the finale, Joanne had converted and the two had an impromptu wedding on the beach, while the duo’s siblings, Sasha (Timothy Simons) and Morgan (Justine Lupe), had embarked on a complicated romance.
    — Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 6 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • La Grande Épicerie’s fish stand was remodeled two years ago, including with mosaics by Parisian artist Mathilde Jonquière, and the rotisserie corner has been relooked more recently.
    — Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Offices have been remodeled for a modern look, part of a plan to upgrade on-campus facilities.
    — PJ Green October 23, Kansas City Star, 23 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • But the filmmaker’s imagination transfigures personal history into something not of this world, wholly original, and uniquely demented.
    — Rachel Syme, New Yorker, 8 May 2026
  • Altman is the defendant in the case brought by Musk, who’s claiming that OpenAI illegally betrayed the company’s non-profit founding by transfiguring into a for-profit company last year.
    — Maggie Harrison Dupré, Futurism, 7 May 2026
Verb
  • No headliner has ever been an ex–drug dealer whose entire mythos is wrapped up in transmuting block-boy brilliance into boardroom brute force.
    — Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Despite the fact that slavery had been abolished, it was transmuted into a different form, one that America continued to exploit to expand its wealth and industry.
    — Leslie Pariseau, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Transform.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/transform. Accessed 8 Nov. 2026.

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