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.
But beyond the surface-level cold water shock of the film’s brashness lies a story of societal problems writ large and a meditation on the dangers of conformity. Paul Fitzgerald, Rolling Stone, 23 June 2025 This sharing means expressing their personality … but also a desire of conformity. Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 19 June 2025 Immediate conformity may not reflect the duckling’s true value and alignment. Naira Velumyan, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025 Hardcore, like many self-consciously underground communities, spurned broader society by forming its own smaller one, which turned out to entail a fair amount of conformity, after all—those Boston hardcore kids on the State House steps were dressed pretty much the same, in jeans and dark jackets. Kelefa Sanneh, New Yorker, 11 June 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Conformity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/conformity. Accessed 30 Jun. 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!