warp 1 of 2

warp

2 of 2

verb

1
2
3
as in to deform
to twist (something) out of a natural or normal shape or condition freezing warped the plastic, and now the cover won't fit

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb warp contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of warp are contort, deform, and distort. While all these words mean "to mar or spoil by or as if by twisting," warp indicates an uneven shrinking that bends or twists out of a flat plane.

warped floorboards

When could deform be used to replace warp?

The synonyms deform and warp are sometimes interchangeable, but deform may imply a change of shape through stress, injury, or accident of growth.

a face deformed by hatred

How do distort and contort relate to one another, in the sense of warp?

Distort and contort both imply a wrenching from the natural or normal, but contort suggests a more involved twisting and a more grotesque and painful result.

the odd camera angle distorts the figure
disease had contorted her body

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 warp
Noun
Its architecture mirrors the sturdy structure of warp and weft, the two basic elements to weaving, symbolizing the enduring strength of community, unity and creativity. Kissa Castaneda, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025 This month’s issue interrogates the struggle to arrive at the truth and the ways in which belief warps reality. The Dial, 4 Mar. 2025
Verb
The White House’s callous tactics are warping perceptions of reality. Ali Breland, The Atlantic, 14 June 2025 Then the dream warped into a nightmare, as some wretched souls began to freeze mid-step or drown in slush, while manic revelries raged all around them. Literary Hub, 11 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for warp
Recent Examples of Synonyms for warp
Noun
  • As technology continues to rapidly advance and new tools are released on a consistent basis, determining how to best tackle cybersecurity threats and a lack of regulations for AI use is essential to keeping sensitive information and valuable IP safe for the long term.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
  • Kavanaugh also noted that the Administrative Procedures Act remains an avenue for plaintiffs to bring challenges to presidential policies on a nationwide basis.
    Devin Dwyer, ABC News, 27 June 2025
Verb
  • However, the same technologies that can immortalize could also distort and manipulate reality.
    Sahar Hashmi, Forbes.com, 29 June 2025
  • Donovan continued that social media also distorts wealth.
    Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 29 June 2025
Verb
  • One of the challenges is that signals in fiber-optic cables degrade over distance.
    Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 24 June 2025
  • Israel wants to degrade Iran's missiles and nuclear program.
    Brittney Melton, NPR, 23 June 2025
Verb
  • Vincent attempts through various means to convince people of this infiltration of aliens who appear as normal humans except for their emotionless personalities and deformed little fingers on their hands.
    Jeff Spry, Space.com, 11 Mar. 2025
  • New traction and stability programming first needed to cope with the tires deforming significantly under hard acceleration and sending sensors haywire.
    Michael Teo Van Runkle, ArsTechnica, 17 June 2025
Noun
  • Levine’s foundation donated $25 million to the academic building.
    Chase Jordan, Charlotte Observer, 1 July 2025
  • May is the time to invest wisely, delegate responsibly, and set the foundations of your kingdom.
    Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • But shortly after its investigation was published, Freeman sent a six-page letter about it to Elite employees and families, saying the article misrepresented Elite and ignored its students and achievements.
    Kristen Taketa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 June 2025
  • Rules of interpretation Companies have to tread a fine between between redesigning their products and fraudulently misrepresenting product classifications.
    Anniek Bao, CNBC, 18 June 2025
Verb
  • The Astros traded Pressly as a pure salary dump, influenced in part by his deteriorating relationship with general manager Dana Brown.
    Chandler Rome, New York Times, 28 June 2025
  • Thousands of small communities whose economies once revolved around plants have deteriorated to depression, drugs, and dollar stores.
    Ryan Craig, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
Noun
  • Take behavioral health services, a bedrock part of county services with a $1.3 billion budget, more than 1,300 county staffers and hundreds of millions of state and federal dollars flowing in.
    Lucas Robinson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 June 2025
  • His core campaign promises — rent freezes, fast and free buses, universal child care — have been the bedrock of his online platform.
    Angela Yang, NBC news, 26 June 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Warp.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/warp. Accessed 7 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on warp

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!