Synonyms

metamorphose

American

[met-uh-mawr-fohz, -fohs] / ˌmɛt əˈmɔr foʊz, -foʊs /

verb (used with object)

metamorphosed, metamorphosing

to change the form or nature of; transform.

Synonyms:

transmute, mutate
to subject to metamorphosis or metamorphism.

verb (used without object)

metamorphosed, metamorphosing

to undergo or be capable of undergoing a change in form or nature.

Synonyms:

transmute, mutate

metamorphose British

/ ˌmɛtəˈmɔːfəʊz /

verb

to undergo or cause to undergo metamorphosis or metamorphism

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

unmetamorphosed adjective

Etymology

Origin of metamorphose

First recorded in 1570–80; back formation from metamorphosis

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

As in, they'll be so desperate to keep the series alive in Melbourne on Saturday they'll metamorphose into a team of belligerence and belief - a band of brothers who will blow the Lions away.

From BBC • Jul. 20, 2025

Previous studies had found that smooth muscle cells metamorphose into different types of cells inside these atherosclerotic plaques and multiply to make up most cells within the plaques.

From Science Daily • May 1, 2024

The axolotl is one of four central Mexico species that rarely, if ever, metamorphose in the wild.

From Science Magazine • May 8, 2023

Materials shift; categories bleed together; hybrid objects metamorphose in alchemical limbo.

From New York Times • Nov. 12, 2021

She will metamorphose into a wife or consort and raise faerie children who will adore and outlive her.

From "The Cruel Prince" by Holly Black

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023