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

Relying on internet searches during brainstorming may lead to conformity and less innovation, particularly in larger teams. —New Atlas, 3 July 2025

This influences their personal lives, creating a cycle of conformity that stifles individuality and creativity that gets passed on to their children. —Glenn Llopis, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025

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

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