conformity

noun

con·​for·​mi·​ty kən-ˈfȯr-mə-tē How to pronounce conformity (audio)
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

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
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.
Design For Identity Integration, Not Assimilation Too often, organizations reward conformity under the guise of culture fit. Mary Hemphill, Phd, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025 Now the Trump administration is implementing an authoritarian plan to squash dissent, force conformity, and bring universities to their knees — in the name of protecting American Jews. Sandy Tolan, Rolling Stone, 16 Apr. 2025 As in the past, these invocations of national security offer the pretext for the government’s efforts to stifle dissent and to mandate political conformity. Rick Baldoz, The Conversation, 30 Apr. 2025 Today, polarization has stifled that openness, replacing critical inquiry with cautious conformity. Michael Ashley, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for conformity

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of conformity was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Conformity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/conformity. Accessed 23 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

conformity

noun
con·​for·​mi·​ty kən-ˈfȯr-mət-ē How to pronounce conformity (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on conformity

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