Synonym Chooser

How is the word transform different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of transform are convert, metamorphose, transfigure, transmogrify, and transmute. While all these words mean "to change a thing into a different thing," transform implies a major change in form, nature, or function.

transformed a small company into a corporate giant

When would convert be a good substitute for transform?

The words convert and transform are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, convert implies a change fitting something for a new or different use or function.

converted the study into a nursery

When is metamorphose a more appropriate choice than transform?

While the synonyms metamorphose and transform are close in meaning, metamorphose suggests an abrupt or startling change induced by or as if by magic or a supernatural power.

awkward girls metamorphosed into graceful ballerinas

When is it sensible to use transfigure instead of transform?

The words transfigure and transform can be used in similar contexts, but transfigure implies a change that exalts or glorifies.

joy transfigured her face

When might transmogrify be a better fit than transform?

In some situations, the words transmogrify and transform are roughly equivalent. However, transmogrify suggests a strange or preposterous metamorphosis.

a story in which a frog is transmogrified into a prince

When can transmute be used instead of transform?

The synonyms transmute and transform are sometimes interchangeable, but transmute implies transforming into a higher element or thing.

attempted to transmute lead into gold

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 transform The mayor said the new program would not work against the city’s efforts to transform vacant office space into housing, since the city is looking at multiple ways to tackle the problem. Josephine Stratman, New York Daily News, 3 Feb. 2025 Climate change could wipe out a whopping $1.47 trillion in real estate value over the next 30 years and fundamentally transform the housing market, according to a new report. Ben Kesslen, Quartz, 3 Feb. 2025 In another scenario, a mid-sized software client competing against giants like Amazon transformed its customer engagement strategy by solving a critical data integration challenge. Rajiv Shesh, Forbes, 24 Jan. 2025 San Francisco, for example, transformed from a sleepy port town of fewer than 1,000 inhabitants into a booming city of 25,000 residents seemingly overnight. Laura Kiniry, Smithsonian Magazine, 24 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for transform 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for transform
Verb
  • Acquired as a second-line winger from Tampa Bay in 2019, Miller eventually converted to center during his Canucks tenure and broke out with more opportunity.
    Thomas Drance, The Athletic, 1 Feb. 2025
  • The old classrooms were all converted into the primary bedroom, kid’s bedrooms, living room, and kitchen.
    Celia Fernandez,Valentina Duarte, CNBC, 31 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • For years, the company had emphasized to-go orders from its mobile app and even remodeled cafes to remove seating.
    Bloomberg, The Mercury News, 28 Jan. 2025
  • High Valley Veterinary Clinic floods but remains open During the recent power outages in Ramona, the High Valley Veterinary Clinic was flooded, requiring the entire hospital to be remodeled, according to owner and veterinarian Matthew Gilbert.
    Regina Elling, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • The claim seems more aspirational than accurate, maybe even defensive—the altar boy claiming his right to the transfiguring blaze.
    Christian Wiman, Harper's Magazine, 2 Aug. 2024
  • But yes, little Johnny, human beings really did once get down on their knees every afternoon beside a mail slot, waiting for some transfiguring love or luck to slide through.
    Christian Wiman, Harper's Magazine, 2 Aug. 2024
Verb
  • Instead, Ali transmuted black fighters into stand-ins for white America.
    Mikal Gilmore, Rolling Stone, 17 Jan. 2025
  • Noah, a 40-something father, travels to his childhood home in Virginia to find that Fax News has transmuted his conservative parents into bloodthirsty creatures, a painful discovery that forces him on a treacherous journey back to the safety of Brooklyn.
    Erik Piepenburg, New York Times, 24 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near transform

Cite this Entry

“Transform.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/transform. Accessed 9 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on transform

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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