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 But vigilante movements in Mexico historically get co-opted by rival cartels or massacred, creating a dangerous spiral that could worsen after recent cartel leadership deaths. Megan Janetsky, Los Angeles Times, 20 Mar. 2026 According to Feinstein, the co-opting of her image was part of the reason Minnelli felt compelled to tell her story herself. Mason Leib, ABC News, 10 Mar. 2026 In the mid-2010s, Young Thug borrowed from Future’s melodic blueprint, only for Future to co-opt Thug’s avant-garde vocal tics to get even weirder in his own right. Serge Selenou, Pitchfork, 3 Mar. 2026 Loosen up, and be patriotic without fear that something like the American flag or Pledge of Allegiance has been co-opted by conservatives. Meg Kinnard, Fortune, 3 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for co-opt
Recent Examples of Synonyms for co-opt
Verb
  • The Andes’ natural features could symbolically integrate both the North (snowcapped peaks) and the South (hot lowlands).
    Sebastian Smee, New Yorker, 4 May 2026
  • Sweden and Finland, which recently joined NATO, have rapidly integrated into the alliance.
    Tim Lister, CNN Money, 3 May 2026
Verb
  • Nike had unveiled a radically new design for Breaking2, incorporating a curved carbon-fiber plate into a thick wedge of springy midsole foam, which external lab data suggested would make runners several percent faster.
    Alex Hutchinson, The Atlantic, 28 Apr. 2026
  • There will be a view of the river from the commons and interior wall graphics will illustrate the theme of the design, which incorporates the concepts of earth, air, water and fire.
    Mike Danahey, Chicago Tribune, 28 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Another appearance in print occurs in 1880, in the memoirs of a Canadian missionary called Sheldon Jackson—also a prominent founder of schools where Native children were forcibly assimilated.
    Glenn Adamson, Artforum, 2 May 2026
  • Licata said Monday that students at INA would be assimilated into other Fort Worth schools, and that other immigrant and early English language learners who are at other schools in the district are outperforming students at INA because they are exposed to more opportunities.
    Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Apr. 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 8 May. 2026.

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