Definition of bendnext
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as in to aim
to point or turn (something) toward a target or goal bent all of his efforts toward making his first documentary film

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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as in to curve
to turn away from a straight line or course the stream bends slightly to the east

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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bend

2 of 2

noun

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 bend
Verb
The continuous rails bend so imperceptibly that passengers feel nothing more than a smooth, butter-like glide across the water. Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 31 Aug. 2026 But Cramer has spent his career teaching jumpers that there is a time to bend every rule. M. R. O’Connor, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026
Noun
Early pothole testing actually caused a slight structural bend in a rear swingarm. New Atlas, 29 Aug. 2026 The millionaire and his family can be seen rounding a bend in the street just yards behind her. Ivana Kottasová, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for bend
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bend
Verb
  • In the opposite direction, open the elbows wide, arching the back and lifting the chin to the sky.
    Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Engineers maintained extremely gentle gradients across long distances while using tunnels, channels, and arched bridges to cross uneven terrain.
    Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 16 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • In the later years of her life, Eastman settled in Montana and devoted herself to animal advocacy.
    Tanya Fedak, Variety, 27 Aug. 2026
  • In order to keep playing shows these past few years, Frampton has devoted himself to an intensive workout regime that minimizes the impact of IBM.
    Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 27 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Beijing aims to transform the region into a high-altitude green energy powerhouse, with projects that include a $168 billion megadam, currently under construction, that could stretch the limits of what human engineering has achieved.
    Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 29 Aug. 2026
  • This shift aims to secure more predictable, recurring revenue and higher user retention, mitigating the volatility of hardware sales.
    Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • But plenty of long-range computer models continue to show a future for the system, most as a tropical storm headed west toward the Caribbean, although plenty also show a potential track that curves north of Puerto Rico.
    Alex Harris, Miami Herald, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Several other curved, slender bones were soon found nearby, according to pictures shared with the station.
    Elizabeth Wolfe, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Because of its large field of view, the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope will help researchers better understand dark matter by capturing how the phenomenon's gravity bends light and distorts a galaxy's shape.
    Matthew Glasser, ABC News, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Yiannopoulos resigned from Breitbart amid the backlash and offered a rare apology but said the media distorted his comments.
    Eduardo Cuevas, CNN Money, 29 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • After selling accessories for attaching Apple’s AirTags to everything from keys to backpacks, Belkin is introducing its own trackers that work with either Apple’s Find My or Google’s Find Hub tracking networks.
    Andrew Liszewski, The Verge, 3 Sep. 2026
  • This is a destination restaurant that happens to be attached to a hotel, not the other way around.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • This theory predicted that the light from distant stars appearing very close to the sun's edge should shift due to the curvature of space.
    Chelsea Gohd, Space.com, 21 Aug. 2026
  • The Samsung 32-inch Essential S3 sets a strong benchmark for budget big-screen value by pairing an immersive 1800R curvature with smooth 100-hertz refresh performance.
    Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 18 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Yet family offices are letting their stock allocations grow as a share of their portfolio, rather than rebalancing, suggesting a long-term bullish tilt to stocks.
    Robert Frank, CNBC, 27 Aug. 2026
  • To help find your even position, do some pelvic tilts between over- and under-extension.
    Sophia Dyer, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Bend.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bend. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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