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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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

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 contort Her call was clear: stop contorting ourselves to fit broken norms. Nell Derick Debevoise, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025 Meanwhile, on the other side, your ring finger and pinky will have to contort uncomfortably to get a solid grip that can nudge or lift the Joy-Con as necessary. ArsTechnica, 3 Apr. 2025 Larger animals, such as bulls and contorted horse-like creatures, represented the autocratic government and agents of said violence. Chadd Scott, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025 McLain had to contort himself in midair and reach across his body, but the ball hit off his glove and into the outfield, allowing two runners to score with two outs in the first inning. C. Trent Rosecrans, New York Times, 26 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for contort
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contort
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
  • 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

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Cite this Entry

“Contort.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contort. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

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