as in to distort
to twist (something) out of a natural or normal shape or condition
a cynic whose face seems to be permanently deformed by a sneer
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 deform
The impact with Bell’s Camry severely deformed the SAFER barrier, which is comprised of steel and foam to absorb energy in wrecks.
—
ABC News, 7 June 2026
Fast moving debris has the potential to penetrate or deform a spacecraft's hull, damaging critical systems or even triggering a catastrophic rupture.
—Anthony Wood, Space.com, 7 June 2026
When oil wells are shut in, the pressure underground can become imbalanced, deforming the underlying structure.
—David Goldman, CNN Money, 27 May 2026
When subjected to stress, the sponge-like matrix allows the material to deform predictably and absorb vast amounts of kinetic energy rather than snap.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 19 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for deform
ABC News, 7 June 2026
Fast moving debris has the potential to penetrate or deform a spacecraft's hull, damaging critical systems or even triggering a catastrophic rupture.
—Anthony Wood, Space.com, 7 June 2026
When oil wells are shut in, the pressure underground can become imbalanced, deforming the underlying structure.
—David Goldman, CNN Money, 27 May 2026
When subjected to stress, the sponge-like matrix allows the material to deform predictably and absorb vast amounts of kinetic energy rather than snap.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 19 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for deform
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deform
Verb
-
During our research, what first struck us was the extent to which the clichés surrounding the great figures of Antiquity have often distorted our perception of these historical characters.—
Roberto Prieto,
Variety,
17 June 2026
-
This attempt to distort the facts for personal gain should be viewed with significant skepticism.—
Kim Gorsuch,
Sun Sentinel,
16 June 2026
Verb
-
But the same dystopian phenomenon is contorting the whole labor market.—
Annie Lowrey,
The Atlantic,
2 June 2026
-
Search the internet and there are coaches and players spotted sniffing the ammonia inhalants before a game, with their instant reactions — a noticeable head jerk or contorted face — going viral.—
Jason Jones,
New York Times,
15 May 2026
Verb
-
Each of the asymmetrical stones used in the brooches, which were individually polished and finished, were cut specifically for the drawing of the creation with 18-karat yellow gold prongs screwed in to protect the fragile stone tableaus.—
Paige Reddinger,
Robb Report,
12 June 2026
-
As a bonus, this vacuum comes with different attachments, including a dusting brush and hair screw tool.—
Blake Bakkila,
Architectural Digest,
12 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Deform.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deform. Accessed 19 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
