as in deformation
the twisting of something out of its natural or normal shape or condition
had to total the car due to a distortion of the chassis resulting from collision
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 distortion
This will allow Roman to hunt down exoplanets through flickers, or distortions, in starlight as planets pass in front of stars — assuming the distortions aren't due to starquakes, or some other stellar phenomena.
—
Elizabeth Howell, Space.com, 21 Apr. 2026
In some cases, the distortion of Zionism feeds into this trend, blurring the line between political critique and the delegitimization of the Jewish right to self-determination.
—Elad Strohmayer, Chicago Tribune, 21 Apr. 2026
Percussionist and sound artist Colin Blanton mints a new alias for a suite of improvisational industrial jams where distortion is baked in at the atomic level.
—Maxie Younger, Pitchfork, 21 Apr. 2026
The film opens with real mirages filmed near Aswan in Egypt, where atmospheric conditions produce optical distortions.
—Lise Pedersen, Variety, 20 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for distortion
Elizabeth Howell, Space.com, 21 Apr. 2026
In some cases, the distortion of Zionism feeds into this trend, blurring the line between political critique and the delegitimization of the Jewish right to self-determination.
—Elad Strohmayer, Chicago Tribune, 21 Apr. 2026
Percussionist and sound artist Colin Blanton mints a new alias for a suite of improvisational industrial jams where distortion is baked in at the atomic level.
—Maxie Younger, Pitchfork, 21 Apr. 2026
The film opens with real mirages filmed near Aswan in Egypt, where atmospheric conditions produce optical distortions.
—Lise Pedersen, Variety, 20 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for distortion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for distortion
deformation
Noun
-
The design also features guide tubes made of Q12 alloy to resist fuel assembly bowing and lateral deformation.—
Aman Tripathi,
Interesting Engineering,
26 Apr. 2026
-
This deformation and discoloration are attributed to the excessive heat some bricks experience in the firing process.—
Tim Carter,
Hartford Courant,
25 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Distortion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/distortion. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
