bend 1 of 2

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as in to aim
to point or turn (something) toward a target or goal bent all of his efforts toward making his first documentary film

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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as in to curve
to turn away from a straight line or course the stream bends slightly to the east

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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bend

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noun

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 bend
Verb
At this point, Lutnick suggested that the US is unwilling to bend on the requirement that the US control the recommendation algorithm, which is viewed as the secret sauce that makes the app so popular globally. Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 24 July 2025 Regulatory reforms that promote widespread price transparency offers Congress and the Trump Administration an opportunity to meaningfully bend the healthcare cost curve and improve the quality-of-care patients receive. Wayne Winegarden, Forbes.com, 22 July 2025
Noun
Head to a bend in the river where the tall, gray Roark Bluff rises from the edge of the river. Graham Averill, Outside Online, 20 June 2025 It has been used for decades to treat divers suffering from decompression sickness, known as the bends, and can be used to help treat several other conditions, such as tissue infections and poisoning, according to the Mayo Clinic. Kathryn Palmer, USA Today, 14 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for bend
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bend
Verb
  • Rural skies will also showcase the Milky Way arching across the southern sky.
    Jamie Carter, Space.com, 21 July 2025
  • It is best observed from dark sky locations far from bright city lights, and appears as a faint, cloud-like band arching across the sky toward the south.
    Jenny Porter Tilley, Louisville Courier Journal, 18 July 2025
Verb
  • Jane comes from a background of poverty and has stayed in their hometown for the past 20 years, devoting herself to caregiving.
    Julie Hinds, Freep.com, 25 July 2025
  • With this work, the tenacious journalist and advocate for the Everglades devoted her life to preserving the unique, sprawling ecosystem now protected by federal law.
    Jay Reddick, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 July 2025
Verb
  • Beyond that, Davis aims to beat the averages by astute management of the land.
    William Baldwin, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025
  • Traditional school leaders are bracing for the impact of revenue losses expected from Senate Bill 1, aimed at property tax reform.
    Carole Carlson, Chicago Tribune, 1 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Enjoying an excellent day in front of a vociferous home support at Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland, the 36-year-old found himself in a spot of bother when his tee shot at the par-four 11th curved into the rough on the right of the fairway.
    Jack Bantock, CNN Money, 19 July 2025
  • Most storms that form off Florida’s east coast tend to track north or northeast along the Atlantic, often curving away from the U.S. mainland.
    Brandi D. Addison, Austin American Statesman, 15 July 2025
Verb
  • Over time, that line has been distorted beyond recognition, used more to silence churches than to protect them.
    Lauren Cooley, Sun Sentinel, 21 July 2025
  • First, Jane Street intentionally distorted the less liquid cash market to profit on the more liquid options market.
    Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 18 July 2025
Verb
  • This test uses fluorescent dyes that only attach to certain parts of a chromosome.
    Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 14 July 2025
  • The baskets are hand-woven and have attached handles for easy carrying.
    Christopher Murray may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom., FOXNews.com, 14 July 2025
Noun
  • Space-time quantities like position, curvature and duration might be useless for describing a singularity.
    Charlie Wood, Wired News, 20 July 2025
  • The corset followed the curvature of her waist and created an hourglass silhouette.
    Starr Bowenbank, People.com, 10 June 2025
Noun
  • Notably, that collection of teams does not include the Atlanta Dream, who enter Friday’s tilt with the Fever at 12-7.
    Garrett Chorpenning, New York Times, 11 July 2025
  • Other customizable ergonomic features include an adjustable headrest, tilt tension, and tilt lock to make this your most comfortable office chair yet.
    Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 10 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Bend.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bend. Accessed 4 Aug. 2025.

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