noun

contortionist

kuhn-TAW-shuh-nihst

noun

A performer who can bend and twist their body into extreme positions.

"The circus contortionist folded herself into a small glass box."

"He trained for years to become a professional contortionist."

Someone who twists the meaning of words or arguments to suit themselves.

"The lawyer was a verbal contortionist, spinning every fact in his client's favor."

How to Use Contortionist

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSomeone who twists their body — or an argument — into unnatural shapes.

Common pairings

circus contortionist verbal contortionist

contortionists plural

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The circus _____ folded herself into a small glass box.

Built from contortion (from Latin contortus, "twisted together") plus the agent suffix -ist.

Zionist arsonist cartoonist protagonist illusionist tobacconist receptionist nutritionist exhibitionist perfectionist impressionist projectionist