conformity

noun

con·​for·​mi·​ty kən-ˈfȯr-mə-tē 

plural conformities

1

: correspondence in form, manner, or character : agreement

behaved in conformity with her beliefs

2

: an act or instance of conforming

her conformity with the latest fashions

3

: action in accordance with some specified standard or authority

conformity to social custom

conformity with the federal law and state insurance codes

Synonyms

• accordance
• harmony

Examples of conformity in a Sentence

The corporate culture demands a certain conformity of appearance.

the simple lifestyle of the Amish is in conformity with their ascetic religious beliefs

Recent Examples on the Web

What defined Shackleton’s leadership wasn’t conformity but the ability to harness productive friction. —Natalie Silverman, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025

News reporting and other media encouraged conformity and political passivity. —Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 8 Sep. 2025

In business, as in life, there are times when conformity is an asset, but in others, embracing your individuality, inhabiting your rebellious spirit and being a true trailblazer are what lead to success. —Paul Fitzgerald, Rolling Stone, 8 Sep. 2025

But how farewell their rebellion really go when academic conformity is the key to get into top-notch colleges? —Marta Balaga, Variety, 7 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for conformity

• deformity
• enormity
• disconformity
• nonconformity
• unconformity
• uniformity
• nonuniformity

Kids Definition

conformity

noun

con·​for·​mi·​ty kən-ˈfȯr-mət-ē 

plural conformities

1

: agreement in form, manner, or character

behaved in conformity with their beliefs

2

: action in accordance with a standard or authority : obedience

conformity to social custom