as in to integrate
to make a part of a body or system
the national organization co-opted many formerly independent local groups
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 co-opt
Oligarchs scooped up major publications and donated them to a consolidated media foundation, co-opting the free press and turning it into the Prime Minister’s bullhorn.
—
Kapil Komireddi, New Yorker, 10 Apr. 2026
Russian President Vladimir Putin has long been co-opting the Orthodox Church to legitimize his aggression against Ukraine.
—Andreas Kluth, Twin Cities, 3 Apr. 2026
Far from exhibiting a coherent or consistent set of values, carnival has been co-opted by—and used to promote the philosophies of—various movements, from the Protestant Reformation to National Socialism.
—Tim Brinkhof, JSTOR Daily, 1 Apr. 2026
But invariably, these calls are co-opted by conservatives to demonize those on the short end of the stick.
—Literary Hub, 30 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for co-opt
Kapil Komireddi, New Yorker, 10 Apr. 2026
Russian President Vladimir Putin has long been co-opting the Orthodox Church to legitimize his aggression against Ukraine.
—Andreas Kluth, Twin Cities, 3 Apr. 2026
Far from exhibiting a coherent or consistent set of values, carnival has been co-opted by—and used to promote the philosophies of—various movements, from the Protestant Reformation to National Socialism.
—Tim Brinkhof, JSTOR Daily, 1 Apr. 2026
But invariably, these calls are co-opted by conservatives to demonize those on the short end of the stick.
—Literary Hub, 30 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for co-opt
Recent Examples of Synonyms for co-opt
Verb
-
The new security will also integrate existing Stolen Device Protection rules, such as familiar network and location checks.—
David Phelan,
Forbes.com,
31 May 2026
-
Since last year, when the RSF overran parts of Darfur and Kordofan, the militia has commandeered the gum trade, integrating it into its smuggling empire and further starving government coffers.—
Nabih Bulos,
Los Angeles Times,
31 May 2026
Verb
-
Treatments incorporate local ingredients like coconut, and the signature Sea of Life massage uses organic marine botanicals to enhance relaxation.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 June 2026
-
Customers will be able to increase the accuracy of the reasoning model by incorporating their own data.—
Jordan Novet,
CNBC,
2 June 2026
Verb
-
America’s unique capacity to attract and assimilate people from around the world has proven this thesis since the founding.—
Agustina Vergara Cid,
Oc Register,
23 May 2026
-
Denver was one of five cities designated as relocation centers as part of the federal Indian Relocation Act of 1956, which was intended to assimilate Native Americans by encouraging them to leave reservations.—
Judith Kohler,
Denver Post,
20 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Co-opt.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/co-opt. Accessed 6 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
