Definition of distortionnext
as in deformation
the twisting of something out of its natural or normal shape or condition had to total the car due to a distortion of the chassis resulting from collision

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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 distortion Sonos says that equates to a clear sound with reduced distortion. Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 30 Jan. 2026 By using studio-grade microphones, the earbuds can feed the surrounding soundscape directly into the listener’s ears with a sense of realism that’s free from any hiss or distortion. Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 30 Jan. 2026 The pardon weakens deterrence and signals that federal power, rather than correcting colonial distortions, can just as easily entrench them. Israel Melendez Ayala, Time, 30 Jan. 2026 And to many white South Africans, the warped way their country is depicted abroad isn’t even the most important distortion. Eve Fairbanks, The Dial, 27 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for distortion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for distortion
deformation
Noun
  • This dual-frequency design enhances its sensitivity to surface deformation, vegetation structure, and ice dynamics across a wide range of environments.
    Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 11 Feb. 2026
  • Most of the shifts and deformations gradually returned to normal by six months after return to Earth.
    Rachael Seidler, The Conversation, 11 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Distortion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/distortion. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

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