General synonyms:
* Misrepresentation: This implies a deliberate attempt to present something inaccurately.
* Falsification: This emphasizes the deliberate act of altering the truth.
* Perversion: This suggests a twisting or corruption of the original meaning or intent.
* Warping: This describes a change in shape or form, often due to pressure or strain.
* Deformation: This refers to a change in the physical appearance of something.
* Alteration: This is a more neutral term, simply indicating a change.
* Skewing: This refers to a bias or imbalance in presentation.
More specific synonyms:
* Magnification: This emphasizes an increase in size or prominence.
* Minimization: This suggests a reduction in importance or significance.
* Exaggeration: This indicates an overstatement or embellishment.
* Twisting: This implies a change in the original meaning or intent, often for malicious purposes.
* Bending: This describes a subtle change in direction or form.
Informal synonyms:
* Twisting the facts: This is a common phrase that refers to presenting information in a way that misrepresents the truth.
* Spinning a yarn: This describes telling a story that is not entirely accurate.
* Making things up: This refers to inventing information that is not true.
The best synonym for distortion will depend on the specific context and the meaning you want to convey.