1
as in to arch
to cause to turn away from a straight line
she bent the blade of the knife when she got it jammed in the drawer
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to devote
to occupy (oneself) diligently or with close attention
bent herself to the task for the rest of the day
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
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
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4
5
as in to distort
to change so much as to create a wrong impression or alter the meaning of
attorneys bending the facts to put their client in the most favorable light
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6
as in to attach
to cause (something) to hold to another
bend a leash to the dog's collar
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in curvature
something that curves or is curved
it's hard to see around that bend in the road, so be careful
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of bend
Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 9 Jan. 2026
The announcement could be the first sign that the new government is open to returning some freedom of expression to the country, and bending to pressure from opposition groups and the American government.
—Carmen Sesin, NBC news, 8 Jan. 2026
Asal Rezaei, CBS News, 31 Dec. 2025
Brace your stomach and push your hips back with a slight bend in your knees (don’t let your back bend, hinge from your hips instead).
—Jakob Roze, Health, 31 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for bend
Verb
The appendages, both of which bend as needed, allow the vacuum dance, jump, and, most importantly, climb stairs, a first in the increasingly crowded field.
—Noun
To get into the entrances for the main event along the Chicago River, at West Wacker Drive and Wells Street, and around the bend at North Wacker Drive and Lake Street, people will have to go through security.
—Recent Examples of Synonyms for bend
Verb
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Long, arched hallways lead to the guest rooms, restaurants, castle-like lounge spaces, and even an ancient cloister from the former monastery.—
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Keep your core tight and avoid arching your back.—
Verb
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The Spanish chef’s fine-dining concept is an homage to the glories of the world’s oceans, with a strong emphasis on the bounty of the local waters that includes lionfish, Mahi Mahi, and an entire menu section devoted entirely to various renditions of conch.—
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But Man-su, who has devoted his life to the careful cultivation of paper products while everyone else has gone digital, has an easier time setting his crime in motion than in executing it.—
Verb
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Zelenskyy said that Russia was aiming to take advantage of the frigid weather in the capital, which made roads and streets icy.—
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According to a source, the Cowboys are aiming to get two of the interviews completed Friday.—
Verb
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The 25-year-old’s redemption arc continued to curve at Newcastle United on Wednesday night.—
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At first glance, the choker reprises the incisions and delicately curving edges meant to evoke Chanel’s distinctive quilting, with a sliding clasp closure to adjust it closely to the neck.—
Verb
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This is why the contestants sound distorted when talking during the show.—
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Freedom from want mattered because deprivation distorts judgment.—
Verb
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Bareilles explained that she wasn’t always attached as a songwriter.—
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If approved, the piece will become the first time in Colorado that neon attached to a building will be designated historic when the building itself is not, Matuszewicz said.—
Noun
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This perspective allows viewers to appreciate the curvature of the planet, accentuated by a thin, faint green layer of airglow along the horizon, a reminder of Earth's atmosphere glowing softly against the darkness of space.—
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The Lover’s Knot originally had an extra 19 pearls pointed upright from each diamond curvature, according to Claire Scott, Design and Development Director at Garrard, per Natural Diamonds.—
Noun
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But never two goals, four points and a tilt.—
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Women’s college basketball failed to repeat its top 100 performance of a year ago, although the men’s game returned to the fold care of CBS’ coverage of the Florida-Houston title tilt.—
Cite this Entry
“Bend.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bend. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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