Thesaurus results for TRANSMUTE

Q: How is the word 'transmute' different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of transmute are convert , metamorphose , transfigure , transform , and transmogrify . While all these words mean "to change a thing into a different thing," transmute implies transforming into a higher element or thing. // attempted to transmute lead into gold

Q: When might 'convert' be a better fit than 'transmute'?

Although the words convert and transmute have much in common, convert implies a change fitting something for a new or different use or function. // converted the study into a nursery

Q: When is it sensible to use 'metamorphose' instead of 'transmute'?

The words metamorphose and transmute are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, metamorphose suggests an abrupt or startling change induced by or as if by magic or a supernatural power. // awkward girls metamorphosed into graceful ballerinas

Q: When is 'transfigure' a more appropriate choice than 'transmute'?

The meanings of transfigure and transmute largely overlap; however, transfigure implies a change that exalts or glorifies. // joy transfigured her face

Q: When would 'transform' be a good substitute for 'transmute'?

The words transform and transmute can be used in similar contexts, but transform implies a major change in form, nature, or function. // transformed a small company into a corporate giant

Q: In what contexts can 'transmogrify' take the place of 'transmute'?

While the synonyms transmogrify and transmute are close in meaning, transmogrify suggests a strange or preposterous metamorphosis. // a story in which a frog is transmogrified into a prince

transmute

verb

tran(t)s-ˈmyüt

Definition of transmute next

as in to transform

to change in form, appearance, or use in his elegy on his deceased wife, the poet has transmuted inconsolable grief into high art

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Some common synonyms of transmute are convert, metamorphose, transfigure, transform, and transmogrify. While all these words mean "to change a thing into a different thing," transmute implies transforming into a higher element or thing.

attempted to transmute lead into gold

When might convert be a better fit than transmute?

Although the words convert and transmute have much in common, convert implies a change fitting something for a new or different use or function.

converted the study into a nursery

When is it sensible to use metamorphose instead of transmute?

The words metamorphose and transmute are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 transfigure a more appropriate choice than transmute?

The meanings of transfigure and transmute largely overlap; however, transfigure implies a change that exalts or glorifies.

joy transfigured her face

When would transform be a good substitute for transmute?

The words transform and transmute can be used in similar contexts, but transform implies a major change in form, nature, or function.

transformed a small company into a corporate giant

In what contexts can transmogrify take the place of transmute?

While the synonyms transmogrify and transmute are close in meaning, transmogrify suggests a strange or preposterous metamorphosis.

a story in which a frog is transmogrified into a prince

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 transmute But the fields that sloped toward the turquoise sea weren’t about to be cultivated with the vines of Merlot grapes or Regona cider apple trees or even acorns to be transmuted into jamón Ibérico. —

Tamar Adler, Vogue, 3 June 2026 When presented as a wall installation, the pages are transmuted into an object signifying nothing but the imitation of writing by a depersonalized other. —

Erika Landström, Artforum, 2 June 2026 Her dreams of becoming a writer are transmuted into elaborating an online persona, providing her with a creative outlet. —

Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 28 May 2026 Writing arrived as a compulsion, transmuting grief into something palatable and art-like, like a View-Master stereoscope with kaleidoscope slides. —

Eli Raphael, PEOPLE, 10 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for transmute

Recent Examples of Synonyms for transmute

Verb

By sunset, the park had transformed into a celebration of national pride as supporters prepared to cheer on their country before Friday night’s match.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 3 July 2026
As artificial intelligence transforms the job market and rising living costs squeeze family budgets, the University of California system is making the case that its degrees remain valuable investments.

— Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 2 July 2026

Definition of transform

Verb

There are nods to the environmental devastation wrought by the cattle industry that dominated Southern California in the first half of the 19th century, as well as the Faustian bargain struck by Indigenous people who converted to Catholicism.

— Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2026
Mark Ford Rosemary Tonks emulated French Symbolist poets before converting to Christianity and renouncing all her own works.

— The New York Review of Books, The New York Review of Books, 4 July 2026

Definition of convert

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transmutations

transmute

transmuted

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“Transmute.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/transmute. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of transmute

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