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 Buildings seem to grow rather than conform. Big Think, 20 Mar. 2026 This is why all kinds of datasets seem to conform to this beautiful shape spontaneously. Joseph Howlett, Quanta Magazine, 16 Mar. 2026 That copy, allegedly drafted by Camp Sugar, was revised to conform with Wallace’s instructions, Case said in a deposition. Winston Cho, HollywoodReporter, 13 Mar. 2026 Researchers have developed new hair-thin actuator fiber that can pave way to build safer soft robots and body-conforming wearable devices designed to interact closely with people. Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 11 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for conform
Recent Examples of Synonyms for conform
Verb
  • In her experience, 15% often corresponds to about 33 pounds (15 kilograms).
    Nicole Hernandez, USA Today, 30 Mar. 2026
  • Each pitch outcome has corresponding odds and users have a limited timeframe to choose whether to wager.
    Dan Bernstein, Sportico.com, 30 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Maurer imagines blending the fungi with Martian or lunar dirt; their sticky mycelia would cement it into an extraterrestrial equivalent of particle board.
    Big Think, Big Think, 31 Mar. 2026
  • The Derpy McFlurry The Derpy McFlurry blends vanilla soft serve with berry-popping pearls in a wild berry sauce.
    Bebe Hodges, Cincinnati Enquirer, 31 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • What to watch next Any differences between House and Senate versions would need to be reconciled before heading to the governor's desk.
    Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 2 Apr. 2026
  • In 2025, the duo reissued their 1973 debut album Buckingham Nicks for the first time in decades, and have apparently reconciled.
    Maya Georgi, Rolling Stone, 1 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Future research will likely focus on boosting efficiency and adapting the process for continuous, large-scale operation.
    Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 29 Mar. 2026
  • Written by Italian playwright Stefano Massini as an epic poem and adapted for the stage by Ben Power, the play’s language is lyrical and gorgeously descriptive.
    Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Since February, the average price nationwide for a gallon of oil has increased by about a dollar, coinciding with the rising cost of a barrel of oil, which has topped more than $100 a barrel, according to Brent crude, the global oil benchmark.
    Noe Padilla, USA Today, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Next year will see the return of Desert X, which for the first time will keep its large-scale, site-specific installations up for six months, timed to coincide with other SoCal cultural happenings including the Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival and Frieze.
    Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 31 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The researchers re-ran the analysis, looking only at high-income countries, and found that while there was less overall resistance in hospitals, resistance levels were still strongly correlated with aridity.
    Jonathan Lambert, NPR, 27 Mar. 2026
  • Saudi's index, which is closely correlated to energy markets, has been turbo-charged by the spike in oil prices, while Oman has benefitted from investors seeking safe havens, according to Damanick Dantes, founder of Dantes Outlook.
    Hugh Leask, CNBC, 27 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • All numbers were adjusted for seasonal volatility.
    George Avalos, Mercury News, 4 Apr. 2026
  • Still, energy analysts note global markets tend to adjust over time — even if short-term disruptions can lead to temporary price spikes.
    Richard Ramos, CBS News, 3 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Geno Smith, who eventually became the starting QB in Seattle, also fit the mold of journeyman passer.
    Mike Kaye April 1, Charlotte Observer, 1 Apr. 2026
  • Plus, its slender base fits inside most cupholders and water bottle bags.
    Sian Babish, PEOPLE, 1 Apr. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Conform.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/conform. Accessed 5 Apr. 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