Thesaurus results for TRANSFORM

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

Some common synonyms of transform are convert , metamorphose , transfigure , transmogrify , and transmute . While all these words mean "to change a thing into a different thing," transform implies a major change in form, nature, or function. // transformed a small company into a corporate giant

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

The words convert and transform are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, convert implies a change fitting something for a new or different use or function. // converted the study into a nursery

Q: When is 'metamorphose' a more appropriate choice than 'transform'?

While the synonyms metamorphose and transform are close in meaning, 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 it sensible to use 'transfigure' instead of 'transform'?

The words transfigure and transform can be used in similar contexts, but transfigure implies a change that exalts or glorifies. // joy transfigured her face

Q: When might 'transmogrify' be a better fit than 'transform'?

In some situations, the words transmogrify and transform are roughly equivalent. However, transmogrify suggests a strange or preposterous metamorphosis. // a story in which a frog is transmogrified into a prince

Q: When can 'transmute' be used instead of 'transform'?

The synonyms transmute and transform are sometimes interchangeable, but transmute implies transforming into a higher element or thing. // attempted to transmute lead into gold

transform

verb

tran(t)s-ˈfȯrm

Definition of transform

as in to convert

to change in form, appearance, or use by clicking a few buttons, this toy car can be transformed into a robot

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Some common synonyms of transform are convert, metamorphose, transfigure, transmogrify, and transmute. While all these words mean "to change a thing into a different thing," transform implies a major change in form, nature, or function.

transformed a small company into a corporate giant

When would convert be a good substitute for transform?

The words convert and transform are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, convert implies a change fitting something for a new or different use or function.

converted the study into a nursery

When is metamorphose a more appropriate choice than transform?

While the synonyms metamorphose and transform are close in meaning, 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 it sensible to use transfigure instead of transform?

The words transfigure and transform can be used in similar contexts, but transfigure implies a change that exalts or glorifies.

joy transfigured her face

When might transmogrify be a better fit than transform?

In some situations, the words transmogrify and transform are roughly equivalent. However, transmogrify suggests a strange or preposterous metamorphosis.

a story in which a frog is transmogrified into a prince

When can transmute be used instead of transform?

The synonyms transmute and transform are sometimes interchangeable, but transmute implies transforming into a higher element or thing.

attempted to transmute lead into gold

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 transform Newly filed city documents shed light on the potential for new housing in Crown Center as it’s poised to transform into a Royals ballpark district. — Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 30 July 2026 The problem, Warsh argues, is that old approach transformed the market into a prediction engine for Fed rate decisions. — David Goldman, CNN Money, 30 July 2026 When Dujae arrives for his grandmother’s funeral, an unexpected intimacy develops between them, gradually transforming Jin’s perception of the island, its quietly familiar rhythms and herself as summer draws toward its close. — John Hopewell, Variety, 30 July 2026 Tupperware, plastic containers with tightly locking lids, transformed the way food was stored (as well as the way brands sold their wares). — Shoshi Parks, Popular Science, 30 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for transform

Recent Examples of Synonyms for transform

Verb

The current middle and high schools are currently located a few blocks north off Armour Boulevard in an old office building that was converted.

— Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 1 Aug. 2026
When a processor requests data, the chip instantly converts CXL memory requests into DDR5 commands, retrieves the required information, and sends it back in real time.

— Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of convert

Verb

The company plans to remodel about 10% of its roughly 1,200 domestic locations each year until all restaurants have been refreshed, a Chili's representative told Fox News Digital.

— Peter Burke, FOXNews.com, 28 July 2026
Cracker Barrel stopped the updates in their tracks, reverting to its old logo and canceling plans to remodel restaurants.

— Nathaniel Meyersohn, CNN Money, 27 July 2026

Definition of remodel

Verb

But the filmmaker’s imagination transfigures personal history into something not of this world, wholly original, and uniquely demented.

— Rachel Syme, New Yorker, 8 May 2026
Altman is the defendant in the case brought by Musk, who’s claiming that OpenAI illegally betrayed the company’s non-profit founding by transfiguring into a for-profit company last year.

— Maggie Harrison Dupré, Futurism, 7 May 2026

Definition of transfigure

Verb

That bite and raw intensity produce some of the album’s standout moments, transmuting jungle’s physicality across a wide emotional range with poetic verve and Nia’s woody, vulnerable, yet strident timbre.

— Will Pritchard, Pitchfork, 20 July 2026
This is a lot about self-control transmuted into wellness as the outlet.

— Teresa Mull, FOXNews.com, 18 July 2026

Definition of transmute

Cite this Entry

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“Transform.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/transform. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of transform

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