Synonyms of transform

transform

verb

tran(t)s-ˈfȯrm 

as in to convert

to change in form, appearance, or use

by clicking a few buttons, this toy car can be transformed into a robot

Synonyms & Similar Words

• convert
• remodel
• transfigure
• transmute
• metamorphose
• replace
• rework
• alter
• transpose
• modify
• adjust
• alchemize
• redesign
• transubstantiate
• redefine
• recast
• revise
• make over
• mutate
• reengineer
• distort
• refashion
• deform
• disfigure
• supplant
• regenerate
• redo
• remake
• revamp
• transmogrify
• vary
• substitute
• displace

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

Recent Examples of transform

The Pride Promenade will transform tiny Pride Plaza and unusually wide Normal Street into a large linear park spanning from University Avenue to Lincoln Street. —David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Feb. 2025

Translators and authors say Tilted Axis is also helping to transform the field of translation — bucking longstanding conventions around not only what gets translated, but who gets to translate, and how. —Alexandra Alter, New York Times, 15 Feb. 2025

Tesla Owners Are Getting Creative Musk's public persona has transformed from eccentric billionaire genius to an internet provocateur with a penchant for aligning himself with conservative figures. —Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 15 Feb. 2025

After Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire helped to further popularize the form in the ’30s, a Golden Age of musicals—when silver-screen renditions of Broadway hits (My Fair Lady, West Side Story, Gigi) proved their box-office mettle all over again—transformed the movie business for the next 30 years. —Vogue, 15 Feb. 2025