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.
Andreessen said the party no longer tolerated dissent within its ranks and instead demanded lockstep conformity enforced through cancel culture, effectively reducing the Democrats to a religious cult minus the opportunity for redemption. Christiaan Hetzner, Fortune, 27 Nov. 2024 This environment breeds conformity instead of innovation. Edward Deangelis, Forbes, 26 Nov. 2024 In Sister Deborah, real liberation lies in eschewing conformity to any dogma, even the Bible. Tope Folarin, The Atlantic, 21 Nov. 2024 Born at a time when conformity and repression were the cultural norms, Mad’s irreverence would affect TV shows and movies for decades and encourage young people to question the world around them. Julie Hinds, Detroit Free Press, 13 Nov. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near conformity

Cite this Entry

“Conformity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/conformity. Accessed 14 Dec. 2024.

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!