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
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
One doll is a contortionist, while another is an animal tamer.
—Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 24 Oct. 2024
Improbable poses, struck by working behind the scenes with contortionists, only heighten the palpable tension extended through an unusual use of taxidermy and foreboding landscapes that beg for a moment of release.
—Francesca Aton, ARTnews.com, 18 Oct. 2024
See All Example Sentences for contortionist
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
One doll is a contortionist, while another is an animal tamer.
—Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 24 Oct. 2024
Improbable poses, struck by working behind the scenes with contortionists, only heighten the palpable tension extended through an unusual use of taxidermy and foreboding landscapes that beg for a moment of release.
—Francesca Aton, ARTnews.com, 18 Oct. 2024
See All Example Sentences for contortionist
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contortionist
gymnast
Noun
-
Clearly not letting rejection get in her way, the former LSU gymnast poked fun at the situation, referencing the legendary MLB star in her caption.—
Skyler Caruso,
People.com,
28 July 2025
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Named after German gymnast Elisabeth Seitz, the skill adds an extra twist to the skill typically competed by elite gymnasts.—
Caroline Price,
Forbes.com,
20 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Contortionist.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contortionist. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.
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