as in gymnast
a performer who twists his or her body into unusual positions
The circus included a contortionist who could put both feet behind her head.
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Recent Examples of contortionist
From musicians to magicians, comedians to contortionists, dance troops, sword swallowers, dog acts and guys dressing up in weird costumes, there’s a surprise around every corners.
—
Rosemary Rossi, Variety, 27 May 2025
With a programmable rain curtain that can create patterns and images using water droplets, as well as a pool on stage, water is a central theme and a key part of the family-friendly extravaganza featuring Cyr Wheel artists, an aerialist, a contortionist, a juggler and football (soccer) freestylers.
—Karu F. Daniels, New York Daily News, 17 Apr. 2025
So, cue the aerialists, contortionists, acrobats (two on roller-skates, and no wife has ever trusted a husband more), a sand artist, a speed juggler and a dude who surfs on an ever-growing stack of rolling cylinders.
—David Dickstein, Orange County Register, 18 Dec. 2024
During the restaurant’s inaugural Sky Lake show, expect to see ballet and contemporary dancers, contortionists, acrobats, musicians, circus and other artists perform around the venue between courses.
—Natasha Amar, Forbes, 13 Sep. 2024
See All Example Sentences for contortionist
Rosemary Rossi, Variety, 27 May 2025
With a programmable rain curtain that can create patterns and images using water droplets, as well as a pool on stage, water is a central theme and a key part of the family-friendly extravaganza featuring Cyr Wheel artists, an aerialist, a contortionist, a juggler and football (soccer) freestylers.
—Karu F. Daniels, New York Daily News, 17 Apr. 2025
So, cue the aerialists, contortionists, acrobats (two on roller-skates, and no wife has ever trusted a husband more), a sand artist, a speed juggler and a dude who surfs on an ever-growing stack of rolling cylinders.
—David Dickstein, Orange County Register, 18 Dec. 2024
During the restaurant’s inaugural Sky Lake show, expect to see ballet and contemporary dancers, contortionists, acrobats, musicians, circus and other artists perform around the venue between courses.
—Natasha Amar, Forbes, 13 Sep. 2024
See All Example Sentences for contortionist
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contortionist
gymnast
Noun
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The lineup includes an Olympic gymnast, reality TV stars, beloved actors and actresses, a former NBA star, comedians and more.—
Monica Mercuri,
Forbes.com,
16 Sep. 2025
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Her love for performing clearly runs in her family as her older sister Vanessa started dancing at the age of 3 and her younger brother Warren Yang was an avid gymnast.—
Kelsie Gibson,
PEOPLE,
15 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Contortionist.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contortionist. Accessed 20 Sep. 2025.
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