Definition of co-optnext
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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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 In the 1970s, jeans were co-opted by the feminist movement as a way to showcase gender equality. — Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 12 Sep. 2026 The deal comes eight months after Washington ousted former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in a military raid and co-opted the remaining regime led by interim President Delcy Rodríguez. — Spencer Kimball, CNBC, 5 Sep. 2026 These women have no business trying to co-opt the bridal couple’s wedding. — Abigail Van Buren, Mercury News, 31 Aug. 2026 Kusama also achieved something that has eluded other artists who were co-opted by commerce and converted avant-garde energies into branding, including Warhol, Haring, Koons, and Murakami. — Sebastian Smee, The Atlantic, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for co-opt
Recent Examples of Synonyms for co-opt
Verb
  • Onboard sensors and vehicle-control software track position and operating conditions, while the company’s software is designed to integrate with railroad control and logistics systems.
    — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 11 Oct. 2026
  • Ellison plans to spend at least $30 billion a year on content, but must also merge streaming operations and navigate challenges including integrating CNN and CBS.
    — Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 9 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Beaded necklaces were also particularly prominent, with long, colorful, mixed-bead styles incorporating shells, coral and turquoise.
    — Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026
  • This prewar postage stamp is another case where modern conveniences have been tastefully incorporated.
    — Matthew Sedacca, Curbed, 12 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Unsurprisingly, Mihai and Lisbet begin to wonder whether they are being tried for child abuse or for their refusal to assimilate the progressive, secular-humanist values of their new home country—in other words, for their Christianity.
    — Justin Chang, New Yorker, 8 Oct. 2026
  • This is the friction that Tariq felt was a nonnegotiable for the film, factions of an immigrant community torn between assimilating into American culture and proudly celebrating its differences as loudly as possible.
    — CT Jones, Rolling Stone, 30 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Co-opt.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/co-opt. Accessed 15 Oct. 2026.

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