warp 1 of 2

warp

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verb

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as in to deform
to twist (something) out of a natural or normal shape or condition freezing warped the plastic, and now the cover won't fit

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb warp contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of warp are contort, deform, and distort. While all these words mean "to mar or spoil by or as if by twisting," warp indicates an uneven shrinking that bends or twists out of a flat plane.

warped floorboards

When could deform be used to replace warp?

The synonyms deform and warp are sometimes interchangeable, but deform may imply a change of shape through stress, injury, or accident of growth.

a face deformed by hatred

How do distort and contort relate to one another, in the sense of warp?

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

Examples 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 warp
Noun
Led by McAvoy as a charismatic man masking unspeakable darkness, a dream holiday warps into an unnerving nightmare. Matt Grobar, Deadline, 22 Nov. 2024 Black Age reminds us of the ways that anti-Blackness warps temporality. Jordan Taliha McDonald, Vulture, 19 June 2024
Verb
Laminate is particularly susceptible to warping from moisture. Heather Bien, Southern Living, 28 Dec. 2024 How ''Crocodile Dundee'' helped warp our view of Australia Burt appeared opposite Paul Hogan (the titular Crocodile Dundee) and Linda Kozlowski in Crocodile Dundee. Nick Romano, EW.com, 23 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for warp 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for warp
Noun
  • Prior to the 2023 season, Major League Baseball announced a spate of rules designed to make stealing bases easier — instituting penalties for pitchers who take too much time between pitches, and fail to pick off a runner within three attempts.
    Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 10 Jan. 2025
  • In opposing the request, prosecutors from Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s office argued that there was no basis for Supreme Court intervention and that Trump’s legal positions were unsupported by any court anywhere.
    Molly Crane-Newman, New York Daily News, 10 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • This inflates the cost to taxpayers and distorts the insurance market and premium calculations.
    Steve Brozak, Forbes, 31 Dec. 2024
  • Russian evil will not break Ukraine and will not distort Christmas.
    Andy Biggs, Newsweek, 25 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Alarming figures indicate that 40% of the earth’s land is already degraded, impacting half of the human population and half of the global GDP, underscoring the severity of the challenge faced by communities today.
    Sanam Mahoozi, Forbes, 7 Jan. 2025
  • There are a number of ways that these tiny pieces of plastic can become airborne, including from sea spray, textiles sitting in landfills interacting with the wind, degrading tires as people drive, and more.7 Wildfire smoke is another common way people breathe in microplastics, Johnson said.
    Brian Mastroianni, Health, 7 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • The claim: Image shows brain deformed by alcohol consumption A Nov. 20 Instagram post (direct link, archive link) shows images of two brains.
    Kate S. Petersen, USA TODAY, 26 Nov. 2024
  • This often leaves a shell deformed, with air bubbles trapped underneath it.
    Ars Technica, Ars Technica, 21 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Side two is the Instant Redness Corrector that can even be used in lieu of foundation (or worn underneath it) on no makeup-makeup days.
    Celia Shatzman, Forbes, 2 Jan. 2025
  • Mars retrograde eventually enters Cancer on Jan. 6, encouraging introspection around your home, family and emotional foundation.
    Valerie Mesa, People.com, 1 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Customers value authenticity, and misrepresenting your product can backfire.
    Mina Elias, Forbes, 6 Jan. 2025
  • But ultimately, the Lakota were left voiceless and misrepresented.
    Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 29 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Inspectors noted that dish racks had deteriorated with significant debris buildup.
    Hannah Poukish, Sacramento Bee, 10 Jan. 2025
  • Without timely investments in the city’s future, Pembroke Pines will surely deteriorate as some other Broward cities have.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 9 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • In an industry rife with pseudoscience, expertise is the bedrock upon which true leadership is built.
    Lara Devgan, Forbes, 30 Dec. 2024
  • That accountable standard has been the bedrock of the group’s success.
    Nick Kosmider, The Athletic, 30 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near warp

Cite this Entry

“Warp.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/warp. Accessed 14 Jan. 2025.

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