metamorphose

verb

ˌme-tə-ˈmȯr-ˌfōz How to pronounce metamorphose (audio)
Definition of metamorphosenext
as in to transform
to change in form, appearance, or use a science fiction story in which radiation metamorphoses people into giant bugs

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Some common synonyms of metamorphose are convert, transfigure, transform, transmogrify, and transmute. While all these words mean "to change a thing into a different thing," 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 can convert be used instead of metamorphose?

While the synonyms convert and metamorphose are close in meaning, convert implies a change fitting something for a new or different use or function.

converted the study into a nursery

When might transfigure be a better fit than metamorphose?

While in some cases nearly identical to metamorphose, transfigure implies a change that exalts or glorifies.

joy transfigured her face

When is transform a more appropriate choice than metamorphose?

Although the words transform and metamorphose have much in common, transform implies a major change in form, nature, or function.

transformed a small company into a corporate giant

When is it sensible to use transmogrify instead of metamorphose?

The words transmogrify and metamorphose can be used in similar contexts, but transmogrify suggests a strange or preposterous metamorphosis.

a story in which a frog is transmogrified into a prince

When would transmute be a good substitute for metamorphose?

The synonyms transmute and metamorphose 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 metamorphose Others metamorphose into snakes or birds. —Y-Jean Mun-Delsalle, ARTnews.com, 27 Mar. 2025 In Wildcat Dome, objects speak, memories take on physical form, and metamorphoses abound. —Robert Rubsam, The Atlantic, 24 Mar. 2025 Male Darwin’s frogs actually carry tadpoles inside their vocal sacs as a protective act while the larvae metamorphose into froglets. —Ashley Strickland, CNN, 8 Feb. 2025 If the robot, who frequently metamorphoses, gives shape to some form of justice, it’s flayed down to a name. —Elisa Gonzalez, The New Yorker, 3 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for metamorphose
Recent Examples of Synonyms for metamorphose
  1. transform
  2. convert
Verb
  • These firms illustrate how legacy businesses have transformed into crypto leaders, even if their IPOs predated the sector’s rise.
    — Tomer Niv, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025
  • Places that challenge and could potentially transform them.
    — Claire Volkman, Travel + Leisure, 5 June 2025
Definition of transform
Verb
  • Entering the final year of his three-year contract with the New Jersey Devils, Haula’s full no-trade protection will convert to a six-team no-trade clause on July 1.
    — Harman Dayal, New York Times, 30 May 2025
  • Months after the expose ran in late 2023, Brand also converted to Christianity and has been outspoken about his new faith.
    — Alex Ritman, Variety, 30 May 2025
Definition of convert

Browse Nearby Words

metallic
metamorphose
metamorphosed
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Metamorphose.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/metamorphose. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

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Nglish: Translation of metamorphose for Spanish Speakers

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