CONTORT Synonyms: 22 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'contort' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of contort are deform , distort , and warp . While all these words mean "to mar or spoil by or as if by twisting," 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

Q: When could 'deform' be used to replace 'contort'?

While in some cases nearly identical to contort , deform may imply a change of shape through stress, injury, or accident of growth. // a face deformed by hatred

Q: Where would 'warp' be a reasonable alternative to 'contort'?

The words warp and contort are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, warp indicates an uneven shrinking that bends or twists out of a flat plane. // warped floorboards

contort

verb

kən-ˈtȯrt

Definition of contort next

as in to distort

to twist (something) out of a natural or normal shape or condition the acrobat is able to contort his body so that it almost looks like a pretzel

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How does the verb contort contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of contort are deform, distort, and warp. While all these words mean "to mar or spoil by or as if by twisting," 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

When could deform be used to replace contort?

While in some cases nearly identical to contort, deform may imply a change of shape through stress, injury, or accident of growth.

a face deformed by hatred

Where would warp be a reasonable alternative to contort?

The words warp and contort are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, warp indicates an uneven shrinking that bends or twists out of a flat plane.

warped floorboards

Examples 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 contort In the recent tour, a Sentinel reporter observed a cave-like room so filled with conveyors, motors, steel frames and TSA scanners that operators and maintenance providers had to contort themselves to get around, squeezing under and between the machines. —

Kevin Spear, Orlando Sentinel, 22 Nov. 2024 The flipping, twisting, contorting, balancing and landing need no interference from a Brazilian or Romanian rival to be amazing. —

Joe Rexrode, The Athletic, 10 Aug. 2024 During the plea hearing, his attorney Brian Steel delivered a heated takedown of the state’s case, accusing them of lying and contorting evidence — including Thug’s own lyrics — to make an example of his client. —

Justin Curto, Vulture, 31 Oct. 2024 An entire shed from one woman’s yard now lay, on its side, contorted, in another yard down the street. —

Shira Moolten, Sun Sentinel, 11 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for contort