Synonyms of distortion
1
: the act of twisting or altering something out of its true, natural, or original state : the act of distorting
a distortion of the facts
2
: the quality or state of being distorted : a product of distorting: such as
a
physics : a lack of proportionality in an image resulting from defects in the optical system
an image free of distortion
b
: falsified reproduction of an audio or video signal (see signal entry 1 sense 4b) caused by change in the wave form of the original signal

Examples of distortion in a Sentence

had to total the car due to a distortion of the chassis resulting from collision
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Leverage, funding fragility and severe distortions in capital allocation can do far more lasting economic damage than modest deviations of inflation or employment from target. Joao Gomes, Fortune, 25 Aug. 2026 Its long-excursion driver, separate tweeter, and dual passive bass radiators deliver massive, distortion-free sound that easily fills outdoor spaces. Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 25 Aug. 2026 Zaratsu polishing is an artisan technique that creates Grand Seiko’s signature distortion-free mirror surfaces. Anthony Demarco, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2026 While commercially well received, it was criticized for its lack of attention to detail and distortion of historical facts. Encyclopedia Britannica, 19 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for distortion

Word History

Etymology

see distort

First Known Use

1581, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of distortion was in 1581

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Distortion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/distortion. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

Kids Definition

distortion

noun
1
: the act of distorting
2
: the condition of being distorted or a product of distortion
distortional adjective

Medical Definition

distortion

noun
1
: the censorship of unacceptable unconscious impulses so that they are unrecognizable to the ego in the manifest content of a dream
2
: a lack of correspondence of size or intensity in an image resulting from defects in an optical system

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