to change in form, appearance, or use
- in his elegy on his deceased wife, the poet has transmuted inconsolable grief into high art
- redefine,
- redesign,
- redo,
- reengineer,
- refashion,
- regenerate,
- remake,
- remodel,
- revamp,
- revise,
- rework,
- vary
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Frequently Asked Questions About transmute
How is the word transmute different from other verbs like it?
Some common synonyms of transmute are convert, metamorphose, transfigure, transform, and transmogrify. While all these words mean "to change a thing into a different thing," transmute implies transforming into a higher element or thing.
attempted to transmute lead into gold
When might convert be a better fit than transmute?
Although the words convert and transmute have much in common, 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 transmute?
The words metamorphose and transmute are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 transfigure a more appropriate choice than transmute?
The meanings of transfigure and transmute largely overlap; however, transfigure implies a change that exalts or glorifies.
joy transfigured her face
When would transform be a good substitute for transmute?
The words transform and transmute can be used in similar contexts, but transform implies a major change in form, nature, or function.
transformed a small company into a corporate giant
In what contexts can transmogrify take the place of transmute?
While the synonyms transmogrify and transmute are close in meaning, transmogrify suggests a strange or preposterous metamorphosis.
a story in which a frog is transmogrified into a prince
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Time Traveler for transmute
The first known use of transmute was in the 15th century
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