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
  • In November 2024, for instance, House Speaker Mike Johnson announced a policy banning transgender people from using some Capitol restrooms that do not correspond with their gender at birth.
    Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 16 Sep. 2026
  • To construct this curve, experts formed a cross section of objects in higher dimensions, the boundary of which corresponds to the elliptic curve.
    Manon Bischoff, Scientific American, 16 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
  • Playing Alice on the Apple TV+ series has also coincided with a formative stretch in Maxwell’s career.
    Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 15 Sep. 2026
  • The sharp price hikes have coincided with an escalation in the Iran war, including a recent drone attack on Saudi Arabia's critical East-West oil pipeline.
    Kevin Breuninger, CNBC, 14 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
  • Ergonomics was about chairs that were built for people, rather than chairs designed to fit efficiently into an office or be simple to stack and move.
    Kamal Ahmed, Fortune, 16 Sep. 2026
  • Engineers must fit the reactor, shielding and power-conversion equipment inside a combat vehicle.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 16 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Conform.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/conform. Accessed 23 Sep. 2026.

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