1
as in to arch
to cause to turn away from a straight line
she bent the blade of the knife when she got it jammed in the drawer
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to devote
to occupy (oneself) diligently or with close attention
bent herself to the task for the rest of the day
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to aim
to point or turn (something) toward a target or goal
bent all of his efforts toward making his first documentary film
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
5
as in to distort
to change so much as to create a wrong impression or alter the meaning of
attorneys bending the facts to put their client in the most favorable light
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
6
as in to attach
to cause (something) to hold to another
bend a leash to the dog's collar
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in curvature
something that curves or is curved
it's hard to see around that bend in the road, so be careful
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 bend
Sacbee.com, 10 July 2025
Clip: Superman, who can change the course of mighty rivers, bend steel in his bare hand, and who, disguised as Clark Kent, mild-mannered reporter for a great metropolitan newspaper, fights a never-ending battle for truth, justice, and the American way.
—Ari Daniel, Smithsonian Magazine, 10 July 2025
Corey Buhay, Outside Online, 2 June 2025
The visitor center offers an overview of the rock art; the park managers don’t disclose the rock-art locations because the works are prone to erosion, but a web of hiking trails in the park introduces the stone overhangs and river bends that might once have provided refuge.
—Elaine Glusac, AFAR Media, 26 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for bend
Verb
Don’t crouch or bend over: A mountain lion could perceive you as prey.
—Sacbee.com, 10 July 2025
Clip: Superman, who can change the course of mighty rivers, bend steel in his bare hand, and who, disguised as Clark Kent, mild-mannered reporter for a great metropolitan newspaper, fights a never-ending battle for truth, justice, and the American way.
—Ari Daniel, Smithsonian Magazine, 10 July 2025
Noun
Cast a dry fly on the meandering bends of Slough Creek, one of Yellowstone’s most productive cutthroat fisheries.
—Corey Buhay, Outside Online, 2 June 2025
The visitor center offers an overview of the rock art; the park managers don’t disclose the rock-art locations because the works are prone to erosion, but a web of hiking trails in the park introduces the stone overhangs and river bends that might once have provided refuge.
—Elaine Glusac, AFAR Media, 26 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for bend
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bend
Verb
-
It is best observed from dark sky locations far from bright city lights, and appears as a faint, cloud-like band arching across the sky toward the south.—
John Tufts,
The Courier-Journal,
11 July 2025
-
The gracefully arching evergreen foliage is edged in golden yellow, perfect for brightening shady gardens or porch pots year-round.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
6 June 2025
Verb
-
Jane comes from a background of poverty and has stayed in their hometown for the past 20 years, devoting herself to caregiving.—
Julie Hinds,
Freep.com,
25 July 2025
-
With this work, the tenacious journalist and advocate for the Everglades devoted her life to preserving the unique, sprawling ecosystem now protected by federal law.—
Jay Reddick,
The Orlando Sentinel,
24 July 2025
Verb
-
Israel and Hamas are engaged in indirect talks in Doha aimed at reaching a 60-day truce and hostage deal, although there has been no sign of breakthrough.—
Nidal al-Mughrabi,
USA Today,
20 July 2025
-
The Arizona Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big.—
Lorenzino Estrada,
AZCentral.com,
19 July 2025
Verb
-
Enjoying an excellent day in front of a vociferous home support at Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland, the 36-year-old found himself in a spot of bother when his tee shot at the par-four 11th curved into the rough on the right of the fairway.—
Jack Bantock,
CNN Money,
19 July 2025
-
Most storms that form off Florida’s east coast tend to track north or northeast along the Atlantic, often curving away from the U.S. mainland.—
Brandi D. Addison,
Austin American Statesman,
15 July 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
-
This test uses fluorescent dyes that only attach to certain parts of a chromosome.—
Anna Giorgi,
Verywell Health,
14 July 2025
-
The baskets are hand-woven and have attached handles for easy carrying.—
Christopher Murray
may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom.,
FOXNews.com,
14 July 2025
Noun
-
Space-time quantities like position, curvature and duration might be useless for describing a singularity.—
Charlie Wood,
Wired News,
20 July 2025
-
The corset followed the curvature of her waist and created an hourglass silhouette.—
Starr Bowenbank,
People.com,
10 June 2025
Noun
-
Notably, that collection of teams does not include the Atlanta Dream, who enter Friday’s tilt with the Fever at 12-7.—
Garrett Chorpenning,
New York Times,
11 July 2025
-
Other customizable ergonomic features include an adjustable headrest, tilt tension, and tilt lock to make this your most comfortable office chair yet.—
Julia Harrison,
Architectural Digest,
10 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Bend.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bend. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share