Verbs for Changing Shape and Appearance

a person's performance or capability in comparison to others

At her current level of English, Sarah can have basic conversations and understand everyday expressions.

having a surface that is even and free from roughness or irregularities

The marble countertop was smooth to the touch.

to rub the surface of something, often using a brush or a piece of cloth, to make it bright, smooth, and shiny

The jeweler polished the silver necklace to a high shine.

someone who is deeply interested in and well-informed about a particular topic

She's a real history buff and can recite dates from memory.

to rub a surface to make it smooth, shiny, or glossy, often using a tool or an abrasive material

The silversmith burnished the edges of the silver tray for a refined finish.

a pale brown substance that consists of very small pieces of rock, which is found in deserts, on beaches, etc.

The children built castles with the soft sand on the beach.

to cover a surface, typically a road or pathway, with a hard, flat material such as asphalt, concrete, or stones

The construction crew paved the city street to improve traffic flow.

(of natural forces such as wind, water, or other environmental factors) to gradually wear away or diminish the surface of a material

The river's strong currents eroded the riverbank over time.

to make something no longer bent or curved

The tailor straightened the hem of the dress to ensure it hung evenly.

to reduce the thickness or height of something, making it less raised or elevated in its shape or form

The construction crew used a steamroller to flatten the newly paved road.

to make something less tight or more flexible

The mechanic loosened the bolts with a wrench to disassemble the engine.

to increase firmness or solidity of something

The painter used a fixative to harden the layers of charcoal on the canvas.

to make something less firm or solid

She used a hairdryer to soften the adhesive before removing the sticker.

to perfect or improve something, such as a skill or ability

Practice and training help athletes hone their skills for peak performance.

to make an object pointed or sharper

Before slicing the vegetables, she took a moment to sharpen the kitchen knife for better precision.

to turn into one or multiple crystals

Over time, the mineral-rich water in the cave started to crystallize, forming beautiful stalactites and stalagmites.

to break a substance down into small particles

To make the medication easier to swallow, the pharmacist granulated the tablets into a fine granular form.

to make something soft and puffy, often by shaking or arranging it for added volume

After washing and drying, the towel was fluffed to make it soft and absorbent.

having opposite sides or surfaces that are close together

The paper was thin, allowing light to pass through easily.

to make something appear less clear or distinct

The photographer intentionally blurred the background to highlight the subject.

a small fold or line in a piece of cloth or in the skin, particularly the face

She smiled and a tiny wrinkle appeared at the corner of her eyes, showing the wisdom of her years.

to cause a wrinkle or indentation on a surface

The artist creased the canvas to add depth and texture to the painting.

to collapse or disintegrate suddenly and completely

The old bridge crumpled under the weight of the heavy truck, sending debris tumbling into the river below.

to bend something in a way that one part of it touches or covers another

She carefully folded the letter before placing it in the envelope for mailing.

a matted or twisted mass that is highly intertwined

The wires were in a tangle, making it hard to separate them.

to bend an object into a particular shape, such as wire, cloth, etc.

The artist skillfully twisted the metal wire to fashion an intricate jewelry pendant.

to twist or weave together, creating a complex and interconnected structure

Their fingers intertwined as they walked along the beach.

to bend or change shape, often due to pressure or exposure to heat

The plastic material started to warp when exposed to the intense heat of the sun.

to make something straight become curved or folded

She carefully bent the wire into a circle to make a decorative wreath.

to twist or bend something out of its normal or natural shape

The gymnast was able to contort her body into unbelievable positions.