Definition of warpnext

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
Unlike plastic containers, these sturdy steel swaps won’t stain, warp, or hold onto pesky odors. — Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Sep. 2026 The quest for real-life warp drives Einstein taught us that objects with mass can't accelerate through space beyond the speed of light, according to his theory of special relativity. — Micah Hanks, Space.com, 23 Sep. 2026
Verb
The background street gets wildly warped from distortion, and anything outside of the center suffers some detail loss. — Kimberly Gedeon, PC Magazine, 30 Oct. 2026 The growing garbage fire has warped a landfill hillside, which could potentially trigger and avalanche of garbage and leachate. — Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for warp
Recent Examples of Synonyms for warp
Noun
  • International flights were being handled on a case-by-case basis, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.
    — Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 14 Nov. 2026
  • Dormitory rooms with bunk beds for four or eight passengers are also available, the larger of which is sold on a mixed-gender basis.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 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
  • For daily commuting, these units degrade more slowly when owners avoid charging them to 100%.
    — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 10 Nov. 2026
  • In the intermediate stage sugar molecules are dehydrated and degraded, along with amino acids.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 9 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
Noun
  • Fourier’s experience with humanoid robots provided a foundation for the project.
    — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 2 Nov. 2026
  • As the initiative develops, these criteria could provide a foundation for future discussions about common benchmarks or guidelines, ideally involving stakeholders from across the industry.
    — Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 2 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • These include misrepresenting a plan's benefits, hiding important costs or falsely suggesting that a limited-benefit product provides comprehensive medical coverage.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 11 Nov. 2026
  • Folwell, for her part, said opponents of the initiative were deliberately misrepresenting its actual language to mislead voters — and would have done so no matter the language used.
    — Sarah Cutler, Idaho Statesman, 10 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • Unreliable water supplies, deteriorating roads, corruption, and mismanagement of municipal finances, have left many councils struggling to provide basic services.
    — Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 2 Nov. 2026
  • The surprise defection followed weeks of deteriorating relations with her former primary opponent, Democratic nominee Abdul El-Sayed.
    — Brittney Melton, NPR, 2 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • David’s view The modern left is at its most powerful inside the Democratic Party after the party screws things up.
    — David Weigel, semafor.com, 10 Nov. 2026
  • But if that’s what being an American means, many Latinos said on Tuesday, then screw assimilation.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 7 Nov. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Warp.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/warp. Accessed 15 Nov. 2026.

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