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 Anaheim owns Angel Stadium and 130 acres of mostly idle parking lots that Kroenke could transform into a new ballpark and tax-generating shops, housing and hotels. — Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2026 Most notably, the Turia Gardens, spanning more than five miles from the city to the sea, transform a former riverbed into an urban oasis with walking and bike paths. — Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Sep. 2026 The 44-year-old Witten has made a big difference in transforming the Sooners tight ends. — Bruce Feldman, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026 Rooftop restaurant Terrazza Danieli also got a refresh, seen below, which insiders note was done in a way to transform the atmosphere without disrupting the architectural identity. — Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 3 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for transform

Recent Examples of Synonyms for transform

Verb

The show lures corporate sponsors to the marketing mecca, where brands hope to convert experience seekers into true believers, eventually disciples.

— Merlisa Lawrence Corbett, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
After Musk left, OpenAI launched massively successful AI products, namely ChatGPT, struck partnerships with tech titans including Microsoft, converted its business into a for-profit with a non-profit parent, and raised huge sums of funding.

— Lora Kolodny, CNBC, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of convert

Verb

Emirates’ massive suite, which is perched over the center of Ashe, is being remodeled this year to emulate the spacious lounges and curved bar on its double-decker Airbus 380 planes.

— Jordan Valinsky, CNN Money, 29 Aug. 2026
The building went through an even bigger transformation in 2018, when the interior was stripped down to the studs and completely remodeled, Lange said.

— Evan Moore August 28, Charlotte Observer, 28 Aug. 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

From intimate moments to full-on sing-alongs, the night showcased talented women who transmute feelings into art and reminded everyone why Ella Mai’s music continues to resonate.

— DeMicia Inman, VIBE.com, 26 Aug. 2026
The most obvious general interpretation of Buffy’s project is that the show transmutes real teenage anxieties into monsters; every villain is a metaphor.

— Emily Temple, Literary Hub, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of transmute

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

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Synonyms of transform

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