twist
23 synonyms and 1 antonym for twist, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To turn or bend something, often forcefully, so it becomes distorted or wound.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. verb
To turn or bend something, often forcefully, so it becomes distorted or wound.
“Twist the two halves of the biscuit apart to reveal the cream.”
Opposites
untwist
How to use twist
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
plot twist
twist your ankle
twist the truth
Etymology
From Old English twist, related to an old Germanic root for "two," describing something formed by winding two strands together.
Full origin of twist →Frequently asked questions
What does “twist” mean?
The word “twist” means to turn or bend something, often forcefully, so it becomes distorted or wound. In plain terms, to turn or bend something out of its normal shape, or an unexpected turn in a story.
How do you pronounce “twist”?
“Twist” is pronounced twihst (/twɪst/ in IPA).
How do you use “twist” in a sentence?
Here is “twist” used in a sentence: “He twisted the cap off the bottle.”
What part of speech is “twist”?
Depending on how it is used, “twist” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “twist” come from?
The word “twist” comes from Old English. From Old English twist, related to an old Germanic root for "two," describing something formed by winding two strands together.
Is “twist” a common word?
“Twist” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “twist” have?
“Twist” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to turn or bend something, often forcefully, so it becomes distorted or wound.
What is the difference between 'twist' and 'turn'?
To 'turn' is simply to change direction or rotate, while to 'twist' means to turn or bend something, often forcefully, so that it becomes wound, coiled, or distorted. A twist usually implies more force or a spiralling motion than a plain turn.
What is a 'plot twist'?
A 'plot twist' is a common collocation for an unexpected change in the direction of a story. It draws on the figurative idea of twisting, meaning to bend or distort the expected course of events into something surprising.
