Thesaurus results for TRANSMUTE

Q: How is the word 'transmute' different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of transmute are convert , metamorphose , transfigure , transform , and transmogrify . While all these words mean "to change a thing into a different thing," transmute implies transforming into a higher element or thing. // attempted to transmute lead into gold

Q: When might 'convert' be a better fit than 'transmute'?

Although the words convert and transmute have much in common, convert implies a change fitting something for a new or different use or function. // converted the study into a nursery

Q: When is it sensible to use 'metamorphose' instead of 'transmute'?

The words metamorphose and transmute are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, metamorphose suggests an abrupt or startling change induced by or as if by magic or a supernatural power. // awkward girls metamorphosed into graceful ballerinas

Q: When is 'transfigure' a more appropriate choice than 'transmute'?

The meanings of transfigure and transmute largely overlap; however, transfigure implies a change that exalts or glorifies. // joy transfigured her face

Q: When would 'transform' be a good substitute for 'transmute'?

The words transform and transmute can be used in similar contexts, but transform implies a major change in form, nature, or function. // transformed a small company into a corporate giant

Q: In what contexts can 'transmogrify' take the place of 'transmute'?

While the synonyms transmogrify and transmute are close in meaning, transmogrify suggests a strange or preposterous metamorphosis. // a story in which a frog is transmogrified into a prince

transmute

verb

tran(t)s-ˈmyüt

Definition of transmute

as in to transform

to change in form, appearance, or use in his elegy on his deceased wife, the poet has transmuted inconsolable grief into high art

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How is the word transmute different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of transmute are convert, metamorphose, transfigure, transform, and transmogrify. While all these words mean "to change a thing into a different thing," transmute implies transforming into a higher element or thing.

attempted to transmute lead into gold

When might convert be a better fit than transmute?

Although the words convert and transmute have much in common, convert implies a change fitting something for a new or different use or function.

converted the study into a nursery

When is it sensible to use metamorphose instead of transmute?

The words metamorphose and transmute are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 transfigure a more appropriate choice than transmute?

The meanings of transfigure and transmute largely overlap; however, transfigure implies a change that exalts or glorifies.

joy transfigured her face

When would transform be a good substitute for transmute?

The words transform and transmute can be used in similar contexts, but transform implies a major change in form, nature, or function.

transformed a small company into a corporate giant

In what contexts can transmogrify take the place of transmute?

While the synonyms transmogrify and transmute are close in meaning, transmogrify suggests a strange or preposterous metamorphosis.

a story in which a frog is transmogrified into a prince

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 transmute The idea that art continues to transform and transmute and change. — Angie Martoccio, Rolling Stone, 30 June 2026 Afterwards, group members went on to form several other hugely meaningful outfits such as Slint, Gastr Del Sol, Bastro, Papa M and the For Carnation, transmuting Squirrel Bait’s Reagan-era aggression into more esoteric, impossible-to-classify sonic explorations. — Jonathan Cohen, SPIN, 25 June 2026 But there are people like Fred who take an observation, and package it and transmute it, and can see the utility of something and tailor it to the show. — Michael Schneider, Variety, 17 June 2026 The process transmutes raw substrates into bioavailable treasures. — Tanya Akim, Forbes.com, 5 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for transmute

Recent Examples of Synonyms for transmute

Verb

Under his leadership, CME transformed from a floor-trading exchange into a global derivatives giant.

— , CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
The mood of the season was taking a very pragmatic and utilitarian item, and transforming it into something much more decorative and fashun.

— Christian Allaire, Vogue, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of transform

Verb

The show lures corporate sponsors to the marketing mecca, where brands hope to convert experience seekers into true believers, eventually disciples.

— Merlisa Lawrence Corbett, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
After Musk left, OpenAI launched massively successful AI products, namely ChatGPT, struck partnerships with tech titans including Microsoft, converted its business into a for-profit with a non-profit parent, and raised huge sums of funding.

— Lora Kolodny, CNBC, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of convert

Browse Nearby Words

transmutations

transmute

transmuted

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“Transmute.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/transmute. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of transmute

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