nonconformity

noun

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non·con·for·mi·ty | \ ˌnän-kən-ˈfȯr-mə-tē

Definition of nonconformity

1a : failure or refusal to conform to an established church

b often capitalized : the movement or principles of English Protestant dissent

c often capitalized : the body of English Nonconformists

2 : refusal to conform to an established or conventional creed, rule, or practice

3 : absence of agreement or correspondence

Synonyms & Antonyms Example Sentences Learn More about nonconformity

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Examples of nonconformity in a Sentence

As a teenager, he was embarrassed by his parents' nonconformity. an artistic movement that doesn't tolerate nonconformity

Recent Examples on the Web Meyer, who has been public about his gender nonconformity for about two years, ran for homecoming prince in his freshman, sophomore and junior years, but didn’t win. — NBC News, "'Homecoming of Change': Nonbinary teen crowned homecoming queen," 14 Oct. 2019 The diversity of the band’s fan base, clearly in evidence at the Hollywood Bowl concerts this fall, was matched by its musical nonconformity, the mix of genres EWF threw together with such authority and polish. — Washington Post, "Earth, Wind & Fire is forever in the groove," 5 Dec. 2019 Paul Fitts was a handsome man with a soft Tennessee drawl, analytically minded but with a shiny wave of Brylcreemed hair, Elvis-like, which projected a certain suave nonconformity. — Wired, "How the Dumb Design of a WWII Plane Led to the Macintosh," 13 Nov. 2019 Should the court decide in favor of Harris Funeral Homes, the employment protections for trans people under Title VII might no longer protect anyone’s gender nonconformity. — Melissa Gira Grant, The New Republic, "The Supreme Court Could Roll Back Sex Discrimination Protections," 19 Sep. 2019 Jud, on the other hand, is open about his desires, his anger, his nonconformity, his inability to fit in. — Aja Romano, Vox, "The new Oklahoma! is a sexy, shocking revival for our times," 2 July 2019 For instance, communication will be a central theme in the life of a Gemini Ascendant, whereas innovation, progress, and nonconformity will define an Aquarius Ascendant’s experience. — Aliza Kelly Faragher, Allure, "The 12 Astrological Houses: Interpreting Your Birth Chart Beyond the Zodiac," 6 Oct. 2018 That said, the very quirky nonconformity of Tumblr’s users may, in fact, push them to leave. — Aja Romano, Vox, "Tumblr’s adult content ban is already harming the site’s vibrant community.," 5 Dec. 2018 Every presidency deserves criticism, but so much of Mr. Trump’s is just rote Anderson Cooper tut-tutting over his nonconformity. — Holman W. Jenkins, WSJ, "America Has Yet to Make Sense of Trump," 19 Oct. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'nonconformity.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Last Updated

1 Jan 2020

Cite this Entry

“Nonconformity.” The Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster Inc., https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nonconformity. Accessed 18 January 2020.

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More Definitions for nonconformity

nonconformity

noun

English Language Learners Definition of nonconformity

: failure or refusal to behave the way most people behave : failure or refusal to conform

See the full definition for nonconformity in the English Language Learners Dictionary

nonconformity

noun

non·con·for·mi·ty | \ ˌnän-kən-ˈfȯr-mə-tē

plural nonconformities

Legal Definition of nonconformity

1 : failure to conform to or comply with something (as contract requirements) a lessee may revoke acceptance of a lot…whose nonconformity substantially impairs its value — Uniform Commercial Code

2 : a particular aspect in which something is nonconforming cannot revoke an acceptance he made with knowledge of a nonconformity— J. J. White and R. S. Summers

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