transmogrify

Definition of transmogrifynext

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of transmogrify are convert, metamorphose, transfigure, transform, and transmute. While all these words mean "to change a thing into a different thing," transmogrify suggests a strange or preposterous metamorphosis.

a story in which a frog is transmogrified into a prince

When is convert a more appropriate choice than transmogrify?

While the synonyms convert and transmogrify are close in meaning, convert implies a change fitting something for a new or different use or function.

converted the study into a nursery

When is it sensible to use metamorphose instead of transmogrify?

The meanings of metamorphose and transmogrify largely overlap; however, metamorphose suggests an abrupt or startling change induced by or as if by magic or a supernatural power.

awkward girls metamorphosed into graceful ballerinas

In what contexts can transfigure take the place of transmogrify?

The synonyms transfigure and transmogrify are sometimes interchangeable, but transfigure implies a change that exalts or glorifies.

joy transfigured her face

When can transform be used instead of transmogrify?

While in some cases nearly identical to transmogrify, transform implies a major change in form, nature, or function.

transformed a small company into a corporate giant

When might transmute be a better fit than transmogrify?

In some situations, the words transmute and transmogrify are roughly equivalent. However, 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 transmogrify Or change its identity or transmogrify into a different social function of a space. — Erik Morse, Vogue, 31 Jan. 2023 For those looking to dig deeper, here are the best books that deconstruct, analyze, and even transmogrify the star known as Marilyn Monroe. — Nathan Smith, Vulture, 23 Sep. 2022 For most basketball fans, that joy will transmogrify into disappointment, sadness or even fleeting anger once their favorite team is eliminated. — Paul Eisenberg, chicagotribune.com, 21 Mar. 2021 In the 1980s and 1990s this transmogrified into an attack on science. — Naomi Oreskes, Scientific American, 1 July 2020 See All Example Sentences for transmogrify
Recent Examples of Synonyms for transmogrify
Verb
  • Microscopy revealed networks of neurons firing, cells dividing, viruses mutating.
    — Andrew Zuckerman, Popular Science, 7 Nov. 2026
  • The report raised alarm because mink is a species that could give the virus opportunities to mutate to better spread among humans.
    — Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 2 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • That countries with nearly twice the number of billionaires per capita as the United States have thriving democracies should, however, give the lie to the idea that the superrich, by their mere existence, deform democracy.
    — Daniel Waldenstrom, Foreign Affairs, 6 Nov. 2026
  • The successful campaign allowed engineers to assess how the magnet deforms under electromagnetic loads and compare its behavior with structural models.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 4 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • The original was likely destroyed or disfigured in a fire at Barnum’s museum or the Boston Museum.
    — Jack Daly, The Conversation, 4 Nov. 2026
  • People are dying regularly from lithium-ion batteries and people are being disfigured.
    — Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 1 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • Claxton’s injury wasn’t an ideal start, but Splitter is still confident in Claxton’s ability to redefine himself with the Bulls.
    — Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Bagley, Raye and Greene are Maryland women redefining success in fields long dominated by men.
    — Tinashe Chingarande, Baltimore Sun, 5 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • The mathematical description of how a telescope distorts a point of light is called its point spread function.
    — John Timmer, ArsTechnica, 5 Nov. 2026
  • In both films, everything comes in threes, the incessant crosscutting is accorded a flashy metaphysical weight, and time itself is manipulated, distorted, and rearranged to the point of meaninglessness.
    — Justin Chang, New Yorker, 3 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • Indeed, Chinese authorities have already begun refashioning the tools of their security state in response.
    — Carl Minzner, Foreign Affairs, 5 Oct. 2026
  • Marks has refashioned her career in the Americana realm, pulling from blues, soul, pop and, yes, country to create a pure and powerful sound that is simply undeniable.
    — Jim Harrington, Mercury News, 28 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Taking an existing garment apart, salvaging as much of the fabric as possible, and redesigning it into something fresh is a time-intensive process, and time is money.
    — Bella Webb, Vogue, 5 Nov. 2026
  • The processor works alongside Motorola's redesigned ArcticMesh cooling system, which uses a 40% larger vapor chamber to dissipate heat during intensive workloads such as gaming and video recording.
    — Kimberly Gedeon, PC Magazine, 5 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • The Bureau of Labor Statistics also revised August and September figures upwards, indicating that the economy is hotter than previously anticipated.
    — Jake Angelo, semafor.com, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Employment gains for August and September were revised up by a total of 84,000 jobs.
    — Scott Horsley, NPR, 6 Nov. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Transmogrify.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/transmogrify. Accessed 12 Nov. 2026.

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