Definition of conformnext
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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 numerals also conform to the 1908 style, with 3 and 9 o’clock Arabic numerals instead of stick indexes like those on the 8171. — Carol Besler, Robb Report, 15 Sep. 2026 As one of the three colorways that conformed with the NBA’s uniform regulations, the sneaker is rendered primarily in white. — Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 10 Sep. 2026 However, insects such as the fruit fly and plants such as the silverweed cinquefoil have also been shown to conform to Gloger’s rule. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 3 Sep. 2026 The key lesson for personal branding is to embrace distinctiveness, substance, and a unique voice, rather than conforming to generic professionalism. — William Arruda, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for conform
Recent Examples of Synonyms for conform
Verb
  • The coordinates of a vector in Hilbert space include information that corresponds to this alignment of peaks and troughs, called a wave’s phase.
    — Elise Cutts, Quanta Magazine, 23 Sep. 2026
  • In corresponding moves, the Dodgers optioned right-hander Emmet Sheehan and catcher Eliézer Alfonzo to triple-A Oklahoma City.
    — Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 23 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Curate your own Southeast Florida experience by blending iconic luxury with its local secrets.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Sep. 2026
  • For people who hate the texture, blending is what makes the whole thing work.
    — Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 22 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Harry has expressed a desire to reconcile with his brother, but those close to Prince William and his wife, Kate Middleton, said the wounds behind the estrangement remain deep.
    — Stephanie Petit, PEOPLE, 20 Sep. 2026
  • The couple married in 2000, separated in 2017 and later reconciled.
    — Christina Dugan Ramirez, FOXNews.com, 20 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Linear Television is Not Dead The third panel explored how broadcasters and platforms are adapting to a rapidly changing audiovisual landscape.
    — Anna Marie de la Fuente, Variety, 21 Sep. 2026
  • Even when the effects are more subtle, the relationship between genome and transposon seems to sometimes go deeper than that of a host adapting to an invading, self-interested genetic force.
    — Jake Buehler, Quanta Magazine, 21 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • The rally coincided with Bitcoin’s brief move above $87,000, a level not seen since January, as the broader crypto market advanced.
    — Camila Grigera Naón, Fortune, 23 Sep. 2026
  • The timing of her return surely coincides with the circumstances surrounding her near death and the grim mysteries that have engulfed the slow horses.
    — Scott Tobias, Vulture, 23 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Once a trend or pattern has been identified, feedback sessions can be replayed to correlate feedback with behavior.
    — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 17 Sep. 2026
  • The findings from researchers at the university’s Latino Policy and Politics Institute illustrate how gender can correlate with differences in policy views among California Latinos, who account for about a third of the state’s eligible voters.
    — Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 17 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Burke adjusted well to the change and received support throughout the afternoon both offensively and defensively from Miguel Vargas.
    — LaMond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 19 Sep. 2026
  • McDonald's is one brand Kahn pointed to as having stood the test of time by tweaking its offerings, adjusting to trends and maintaining fresh appeal.
    — Teresa Mull, FOXNews.com, 19 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Cygnet believes that intentional drinking is about what fits the moment at hand, as opposed to restriction.
    — Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 24 Sep. 2026
  • At the same time, teenage Nussbaum yearned to fit in school, to find the perfect Villager brand outfit, a skirt sweater over a shirt with a Peter Pan collar that (in those pre-hippie days) was sweeping suburban high schools.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 24 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Conform.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/conform. Accessed 24 Sep. 2026.

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