Definition of conformnext
1
2
3
4

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 Tempur-Pedic’s proprietary material is a body-conforming foam the brand uses for their popular mattresses, toppers, and pillows. Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 4 Aug. 2026 YouTube will continue consuming an increasing share of television viewing without conforming to Hollywood’s traditional definitions of either a studio or a network. Paul Hardart, Fortune, 4 Aug. 2026 This material conforms to your body and holds up well over time. Bestreviews, Mercury News, 31 July 2026 Many changes are stylistic, attempting to conform to the language of the regulation to existing language in use in other state statutes. Jon McGowan, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for conform
Recent Examples of Synonyms for conform
Verb
  • The corresponding move there could be Gavin Sheets, who has been dealing with plantar fasciitis, going on the IL.
    Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Aug. 2026
  • In a corresponding roster move, the Patriots released tight end Jeremiah Franklin.
    Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 4 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Every bite reflects Georgia’s crossroads of cultures, blending East and West into something uniquely delicious.
    Condé Nast Traveler, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Dispense one drop on the back of your hand and start blending, with a brush or your fingertips, at the center of the face moving outward.
    Kiana Murden, Vogue, 11 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • His former life had ended, and that was a sort of death, too, one to which he was not reconciled.
    Alexandra Schwartz, New Yorker, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Faydra explores the impossibility of reconciling logic and longing — especially for a woman unwilling to deny desire.
    Erik Pedersen, Deadline, 10 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Based on Cesc Gay’s 2020 Spanish film The People Upstairs, the screenplay for The Invite was adapted by actor-filmmakers Will McCormack and Rashida Jones.
    Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2026
  • OpenAI positioned Daybreak as a way for its ecosystem partners to use its most advanced artificial intelligence models to adapt to a rapidly changing threat landscape.
    Ashley Capoot, CNBC, 10 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • The researchers found that the behavioral transitions coincided with changes in gene expression across those tissues, suggesting the shifts reflected underlying biological changes rather than changes in behavior alone.
    Panashe Matemba-Mutasa, Mercury News, 5 Aug. 2026
  • But Bret’s suspicions soon grow darker and more intense when Robert’s arrival coincides with a string of teen murders within their cozy Beverly Hills bubble.
    Ben Travers, IndieWire, 5 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • How much these psychosocial factors directly correlate with on-pitch success remains unclear, but this would not be the first time cultural links are made between football and national identity.
    Mark Carey, New York Times, 9 Aug. 2026
  • But higher studio output in terms of the number of titles doesn’t correlate with a bigger payoff for the industry (or Paramount-WBD itself).
    Todd Spangler, Variety, 9 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • When adjusting the texture, incorporate a teaspoon of flour or water at a time.
    Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Aug. 2026
  • The psychiatrist diagnosed her with insomnia and worked to adjust her medication.
    Andi Babineau, CNN Money, 8 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Passengers could stow a purse, laptop bag or small backpack that fitted within specified measurements under the seat in front of them for no charge, Jetstar said.
    ABC News, ABC News, 5 Aug. 2026
  • Those discussions helped identify practical opportunities where HHI’s intelligent welding technology could fit into existing US shipyard operations.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 5 Aug. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Conform.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/conform. Accessed 12 Aug. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on conform

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster