bend 1 of 2

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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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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as in to curve
to turn away from a straight line or course the stream bends slightly to the east

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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bend

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noun

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 bend
Verb
Don’t crouch or bend over: A mountain lion could perceive you as prey. Sacbee.com, 10 July 2025 Clip: Superman, who can change the course of mighty rivers, bend steel in his bare hand, and who, disguised as Clark Kent, mild-mannered reporter for a great metropolitan newspaper, fights a never-ending battle for truth, justice, and the American way. Ari Daniel, Smithsonian Magazine, 10 July 2025
Noun
Brian Daboll told the Giants’ players before their final minicamp practice that their spring progress was encouraging, given what is coming around the bend. Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 18 June 2025 While older games in the series relied heavily on memorizing courses and perpetually driving with precision around every bend, there’s now a lot more ways to play catch up and get ahead. Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 6 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for bend
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bend
Verb
  • It is best observed from dark sky locations far from bright city lights, and appears as a faint, cloud-like band arching across the sky toward the south.
    John Tufts, The Courier-Journal, 11 July 2025
  • The gracefully arching evergreen foliage is edged in golden yellow, perfect for brightening shady gardens or porch pots year-round.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 6 June 2025
Verb
  • Alaska ranks third, with residents devoting about 14 percent of their monthly income to premiums.
    Joe Edwards, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 July 2025
  • Jelly Roll will be honored with the ACM lifting lives award, which recognizes a country music artist, duo/group or industry member who has devoted themselves to improving lives through music and is committed to serving others.
    Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 9 July 2025
Verb
  • Hosted by Centro San Antonio, the event aims to bring the city together in solidarity with families and residents affected by the disaster.
    Robbie Farias, Austin American Statesman, 8 July 2025
  • His work as The Arizona Republic’s consumer travel reporter aims to help readers navigate the stresses of traveling and get the best value for their money on their vacations.
    Michael Salerno, AZCentral.com, 8 July 2025
Verb
  • Instead of straight paths, employ a curving pathway to reveal one part of the garden at a time.
    Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 July 2025
  • Bad Idea occupies more than 5,000 square feet of space, with 25-foot curving ceilings and tall windows that welcome in the fading light as the sun sets.
    Mackensy Lunsford, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025
Verb
  • Anyone claiming otherwise is distorting the truth to justify and reward discriminatory behavior.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 10 July 2025
  • European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen accused China of distorting trade and limiting access for European firms two weeks ahead of a summit between the economic powers.
    Sydney Lake, Fortune, 8 July 2025
Verb
  • Detachable zones can be attached and detached at will, usually to many possible sections of the tray.
    BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 14 July 2025
  • The baskets are hand-woven and have attached handles for easy carrying.
    Christopher Murray may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom., FOXNews.com, 14 July 2025
Noun
  • The way this phase accumulates over a looping path is called the Berry curvature, referencing the curved shape that the arrow is secretly traversing.
    Shalma Wegsman, Quanta Magazine, 6 June 2025
  • When ordinary matter or light rides this curvature, its motion is impacted.
    Robert Lea, Space.com, 16 June 2025
Noun
  • His main fastball is a two-seamer with huge tailing action to it, and his slider is at least a 55, up to 91 with solid tilt.
    Keith Law, New York Times, 10 July 2025
  • But a tilt may not be enough in a midterm election to unseat him—Georgia is not Alabama.
    Andrew Stanton, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Bend.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bend. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.

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