as in to integrate
to make a part of a body or system
the national organization co-opted many formerly independent local groups
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Recent Examples of co-opt
And so, in many ways, Maduro doesn’t enjoy the economic instruments that Chávez had at his disposal to co-opt people.
—
Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 5 Jan. 2026
The event was co-opted as a starring vehicle for the president with acolytes as co-stars.
—Christine Ledbetter, Chicago Tribune, 4 Jan. 2026
Liberation is funny, poignant and, yes, liberating in its expression of the very human need for justice and freedom in an era when those words have been co-opted by forces who value only self-enrichment.
—Greg Evans, Deadline, 31 Dec. 2025
Assad’s government was dominated by Alawites and systematically privileged and co-opted both its own group and certain other minority communities, including, at times, the Druze (although no group was, or is, monolithic in its allegiances).
—Salma Al-Shami, Foreign Affairs, 5 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for co-opt
Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 5 Jan. 2026
The event was co-opted as a starring vehicle for the president with acolytes as co-stars.
—Christine Ledbetter, Chicago Tribune, 4 Jan. 2026
Liberation is funny, poignant and, yes, liberating in its expression of the very human need for justice and freedom in an era when those words have been co-opted by forces who value only self-enrichment.
—Greg Evans, Deadline, 31 Dec. 2025
Assad’s government was dominated by Alawites and systematically privileged and co-opted both its own group and certain other minority communities, including, at times, the Druze (although no group was, or is, monolithic in its allegiances).
—Salma Al-Shami, Foreign Affairs, 5 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for co-opt
Recent Examples of Synonyms for co-opt
Verb
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Under the program, the Indian Army will receive V-BATs and licenses for Shield AI’s Hivemind autonomy software, which will be integrated into the V-BAT platform.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
2 Feb. 2026
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While cell towers are normally installed in inconspicuous locations to seamlessly integrate into urban landscapes, Echard’s visitors are encouraged to seek out and view this edifice at close range.—
Theo Belci,
Artforum,
1 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Both Berry and Markle’s takes on minimalist outerwear harkens back to a certain style evocative of 1990s minimalism, where playful proportions and some nods to tailoring incorporated into statement coats.—
Julia Teti,
Footwear News,
3 Feb. 2026
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The ensuing story—consisting entirely of letters among artists, courtiers, and religious leaders—is a wild ride through the politics and intrigue of Renaissance Italy that incorporates real historical figures.—
Bekah Waalkes,
The Atlantic,
3 Feb. 2026
Verb
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When told to assimilate, our ancestors changed religions.—
Essence,
Essence,
29 Jan. 2026
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According to Damien Routely, these include messy ownership of decisions and no reliable view of cash or delivery cadence, which indicate a weak and unclear leadership structure; the inability to properly articulate what the business actually is, and a refusal to listen and assimilate feedback.—
Alison Coleman,
Forbes.com,
23 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Co-opt.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/co-opt. Accessed 7 Feb. 2026.
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