Synonyms of distortion
1
: the act of twisting or altering something out of its true, natural, or original state : the act of distorting
a distortion of the facts
2
: the quality or state of being distorted : a product of distorting: such as
a
physics : a lack of proportionality in an image resulting from defects in the optical system
an image free of distortion
b
: falsified reproduction of an audio or video signal (see signal entry 1 sense 4b) caused by change in the wave form of the original signal

Examples of distortion in a Sentence

had to total the car due to a distortion of the chassis resulting from collision
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Luurssen juxtaposed this polished fantasy with the distortions of body dysmorphia, questioning society’s expectations of the female body. — Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 17 Oct. 2026 Still, the track eventually collides into a seasick wall of distortion that recalls lovesliescrushing’s weightless takes on shoegaze as Pitchkites sings of unmet expectations and self pity. — Colin Joyce, Pitchfork, 14 Oct. 2026 Alongside these are conventional effects plugins covering reverb, delay, chorus, compression, EQ, distortion/saturation, and pitch shifting. — New Atlas, 13 Oct. 2026 In addition to the uncountable human toll, a longer war in Ukraine means more energy market distortion ahead. — Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 13 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for distortion

Word History

Etymology

see distort

First Known Use

1581, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of distortion was in 1581

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Distortion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/distortion. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

Kids Definition

distortion

noun
1
: the act of distorting
2
: the condition of being distorted or a product of distortion
distortional adjective

Medical Definition

distortion

noun
1
: the censorship of unacceptable unconscious impulses so that they are unrecognizable to the ego in the manifest content of a dream
2
: a lack of correspondence of size or intensity in an image resulting from defects in an optical system

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