warp 1 of 2

warp

2 of 2

verb

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as in to deform
to twist (something) out of a natural or normal shape or condition freezing warped the plastic, and now the cover won't fit

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb warp contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of warp are contort, deform, and distort. While all these words mean "to mar or spoil by or as if by twisting," warp indicates an uneven shrinking that bends or twists out of a flat plane.

warped floorboards

When could deform be used to replace warp?

The synonyms deform and warp are sometimes interchangeable, but deform may imply a change of shape through stress, injury, or accident of growth.

a face deformed by hatred

How do distort and contort relate to one another, in the sense of warp?

Distort and contort both imply a wrenching from the natural or normal, but contort suggests a more involved twisting and a more grotesque and painful result.

the odd camera angle distorts the figure
disease had contorted her body

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 warp
Noun
The fabrics, made with a cotton indigo warp and polyester weft, wash down like conventional denim. Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 28 May 2025 Its architecture mirrors the sturdy structure of warp and weft, the two basic elements to weaving, symbolizing the enduring strength of community, unity and creativity. Kissa Castaneda, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
Verb
That's because the temperature can discolor or warp oven racks that aren't designed to withstand such high heat. Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 29 June 2025 Pick up, put down, misplace, leave crusty with sand or warped with humidity. Christopher Borrelli, Boston Herald, 27 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for warp
Recent Examples of Synonyms for warp
Noun
  • The 2024 hurricane season also included devastating storms Beryl, Milton and John, whose names along with Helene, have been retired out of the World Meteorological Organization's rotating alphabetical basis of hurricane names due to their severity.
    Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 2 Aug. 2025
  • Guests can choose from a variety of drink bases, including green tea, black tea, lemonade, sparkling water, water, or oatmilk, and tailor flavor combinations and sweetness levels to create their perfect summer sip.
    Emma Marsden, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Over time, that line has been distorted beyond recognition, used more to silence churches than to protect them.
    Lauren Cooley, Sun Sentinel, 21 July 2025
  • First, Jane Street intentionally distorted the less liquid cash market to profit on the more liquid options market.
    Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 18 July 2025
Verb
  • Poor sizing can result in uneven temperatures, higher utility bills, potentially shorter equipment lifespan, and degraded indoor air quality.
    Brynn Cooksey, Forbes.com, 30 July 2025
  • The city has earmarked money, some $91 million, but not for a targeted effort to stop the opioid crisis from degrading the quality of life for Boston residents.
    Boston Herald editorial staff, Boston Herald, 29 July 2025
Verb
  • After his first round of the treatment in 2021, he was left deformed.
    Charles Trepany, USA Today, 24 July 2025
  • Slight temperature changes can deform the mirror, causing the image to blur, but 232 actuators behind the mirrors help to nudge everything back into focus.
    IEEE Spectrum, IEEE Spectrum, 23 June 2025
Noun
  • Rogge wasn’t admitted and did a foundation year in Antwerp. 2005 - 2008 Enrolls in the bachelor’s program at the Royal Academy.
    Laird Borrelli-Persson, Vogue, 15 July 2025
  • At this year’s climate meeting in Bonn, global leaders laid the foundation for this shift.
    Felicia Jackson, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
Verb
  • But Scott Brunner, CEO of the Alliance for Pharmacy Compounding, says Novo Nordisk and its competitor Eli Lilly have misrepresented compounding pharmacists.
    Sydney Lupkin, NPR, 29 July 2025
  • Duggar's claims include: The trial court improperly excluded evidence that another person had a relationship with Duggar and had access to Duggar's computer and that information was misrepresented to the jury.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 29 July 2025
Verb
  • Another attempt is likely Friday, although weather conditions will deteriorate somewhat.
    Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 1 Aug. 2025
  • Longtime customers had speculated about Cub Foods’ decline in Midway since customer service began deteriorating early in the pandemic.
    Gloria Ngwa, Twin Cities, 1 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • And some Senate Republicans are raising alarm bells about cuts that make up the bedrock of the package.
    Allison Pecorin, ABC News, 14 July 2025
  • Terrain and Hydrology The region hardest hit — the Texas Hill Country — is particularly vulnerable to flash flooding due to its rugged terrain and shallow soil: Steep slopes and limestone bedrock cause water to run off quickly instead of soaking into the ground.
    Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Warp.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/warp. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.

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