contortion

noun

Definition of contortionnext
as in deformation
the twisting of something out of its natural or normal shape or condition the comedian is renowned for his seemingly endless variety of facial contortions

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 contortion One feature of the July weather pattern in the US was a seemingly endless series of heat domes that popped up in different parts of the country depending on the contortions of the jet stream. — Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 10 Aug. 2026 Moore’s expressive face has courted much attention across the icon’s Hollywood career, with her facial contortions drawing critical praise (and, sometimes, the meme treatment) over the years. — Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 6 Aug. 2026 All this chugs along satisfyingly even with the occasional patch of sluggishness and the usual overly convoluted plot contortions. — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 28 July 2026 The screams, contortions and vocal shifts were made without CGI or artificial intelligence, and that detail is its own form of campaign currency in an era when audiences and voters alike are increasingly skeptical of digital enhancement. — Clayton Davis, Variety, 15 June 2026 The majority’s contortion of the Purcell principle may be the most disturbing aspect of its order. — Ruth Marcus, New Yorker, 8 June 2026 The Russian state has often forced its people into strange contortions of the mind. — Simon Shuster, The Atlantic, 6 June 2026 The most conspicuous symptom of this transition, certainly, was the contortion of the nation-state, and the resulting unravelling of political cultures built up over many decades. — Literary Hub, 18 May 2026 There is also the chance to go conceptual and to study the body itself—its limitations, expressions, and even contortions, say by wearing or referencing the work of Rei Kawakubo, who was the topic of a Costume Institute exhibition in 2017. — José Criales-Unzueta, Vanity Fair, 1 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contortion
  1. deformation
  2. distortion
  3. deformity
Noun
  • The condition may have caused pain and produced a deformation or swelling on her chest.
    — Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026
  • This was done using a mixture of radar that measured surface deformation, engineering surveys, boreholes made at the sites, and independent seismic data.
    — John Timmer, ArsTechnica, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of deformation
Noun
  • 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
Definition of distortion
Noun
  • For example, patients with bunion deformities may not be able to tolerate their hallux being forced in a straighter position.
    — Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Fetuses of mice suddenly exposed to QACs developed deformities and neural tube defects similar to spina bifida in humans.
    — Sandee LaMotte, CNN Money, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of deformity

Browse Nearby Words

contorting
contortion
contortionist
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Cite this Entry

“Contortion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contortion. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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