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Synonym Chooser

How does the verb conform contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of conform are accommodate, adapt, adjust, and reconcile. While all these words mean "to bring one thing into correspondence with another," conform applies to bringing into accordance with a pattern, example, or principle.

refused to conform to society's values

Where would accommodate be a reasonable alternative to conform?

The words accommodate and conform can be used in similar contexts, but accommodate may suggest yielding or compromising to effect a correspondence.

accommodated his political beliefs in order to win

When could adapt be used to replace conform?

The meanings of adapt and conform largely overlap; however, adapt implies a modification according to changing circumstances.

adapted themselves to the warmer climate

When would adjust be a good substitute for conform?

In some situations, the words adjust and conform are roughly equivalent. However, adjust suggests bringing into a close and exact correspondence or harmony such as exists between parts of a mechanism.

adjusted the budget to allow for inflation

When might reconcile be a better fit than conform?

The synonyms reconcile and conform are sometimes interchangeable, but reconcile implies the demonstration of the underlying compatibility of things that seem to be incompatible.

tried to reconcile what he said with what I knew

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of conform The pressure to conform or compromise is real, but staying true to your principles creates a foundation for lasting trust and meaningful success. Aslak De Silva, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025 Unlike picks in our guide, this is a softer mattress for sleepers who might look for a memory foam mattress that conforms to their bodies. Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 23 Apr. 2025 There is a vast tide of Imperial functionaries, from soldiers to bureaucrats to technicians, all conforming to survive the predations of the Emperor’s whims. Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 23 Apr. 2025 Trump, meanwhile, will feel little pressure to conform to reality. Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for conform
Recent Examples of Synonyms for conform
Verb
  • Note: Most subscribers have some, but not all, of the puzzles that correspond to the following set of solutions for their local newspaper.
    USA TODAY, USA Today, 8 May 2025
  • And consider this: From 1969 to the present, 15 of the 20 Supreme Court appointments have been by Republican presidents, even though the Democratic nominees had won the national popular vote in a majority of the corresponding elections.
    Joel Thayer, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 May 2025
Verb
  • The formulation blends hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and blue agave extract to keep the skin hydrated and radiant but never oily.
    Danielle Sinay, Glamour, 8 May 2025
  • This traveling show blends smoke, elixirs, potions, bubbles, cauldrons, alcohol and mocktails for a unique drinking engagement.
    Carlos Rico, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 May 2025
Verb
  • In order to oust Najib, Mahathir reconciled with Anwar, who was freed thanks to a royal pardon.
    Charlie Campbell, Time, 2 May 2025
  • Two tracks for the House, Senate The budget blueprint passed earlier this month instructs the House and Senate to craft separate proposals that will eventually need to be reconciled.
    Riley Beggin, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Perhaps working in television has trained DeYoung to adapt to other’s sensibilities before insisting on his own.
    Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 9 May 2025
  • Lydon emphasized that Prevost’s thinking on such issues could adapt over time but emphasized that as pope, Prevost must now contend with the beliefs of more than a billion Catholics spread across the globe.
    Eric Bradner, CNN Money, 9 May 2025
Verb
  • The launch of the fund coincides with major sports leagues making multiple changes to ownership rules related to institutional investment.
    Eric Jackson, Sportico.com, 15 May 2025
  • Their arrival coincides with President Donald Trump’s administration’s decision to end refugee admissions from countries such as Afghanistan, Sudan and the Republic of Congo.
    Jonathan Vanian, CNBC, 14 May 2025
Verb
  • Historically, these two assets have been highly correlated, but that is no longer the case.
    Alexander S. Blume, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
  • According to the College Board, SAT scores correlated closely with first-year college GPA and graduation likelihood, especially when combined with high school GPA.
    Gerald Bradshaw, Chicago Tribune, 1 May 2025
Verb
  • As the fireline is constructed, inspected or reinforced, mappers record those details to adjust the containment percentage.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 9 May 2025
  • Should Congress amend the Act, or the IOC/FIE change their standards, USA Fencing will adjust accordingly.
    Marni Rose McFall, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 May 2025
Verb
  • Its adaptable, low-profile design fits into a variety of spaces without the bulk of traditional units.
    Jon Stojan, USA Today, 10 May 2025
  • For those who do not want to venture too far from Western flavors, the Shiitake Fettuccine might fit the bill.
    Michael James Rocha, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Conform.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/conform. Accessed 18 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on conform

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