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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 Colin willingly puts himself in an abject position because what’s happening between him and Ray is love, for him at least, even if that version of love doesn’t comfortably conform to our understanding of what love is supposed to be, a system of back-and-forth flow in mutual directions. Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 18 May 2025 The razor is designed with five flexible circular heads that bent it at angles to conform to my cheekbones, chin shape, and arms. Malia Griggs, Glamour, 16 May 2025 Many of these clothes are displayed on models whose bodies conform to (and are sometimes edited to promote) hyper-idealized body standards. Lila Shroff, The Atlantic, 22 May 2025 Due to its enormous economy and population, automakers have conformed to California’s rules. Tony Briscoe, Los Angeles Times, 22 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for conform
Recent Examples of Synonyms for conform
Verb
  • The photograph corresponds, complements, or even dissolves the sculptural object’s manual and artisanal production procedures, functioning not as document but as its dialectical technological counterpart.
    Benjamin H. D. Buchloh, Artforum, 1 June 2025
  • By contrast, the total income in their domestic league in 2022 was just €16m (note that Sheriff’s European income was split across their 2021 and 2022 financial years, so doesn’t correspond to the single-season income from UEFA).
    Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 31 May 2025
Verb
  • Her cruise 2026 show in Rome, which blended rtw and haute couture looks, was her swan song, and her departure was confirmed last Thursday.
    Miles Socha, Footwear News, 2 June 2025
  • Often, this means blending digital approaches with traditional structures.
    Persa Sakellaridi, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
Verb
  • Whitten reconciled creative impulses that often seemed diametrically opposed.
    Julian Lucas, New Yorker, 29 May 2025
  • In June 2013, Tish filed for divorce, but a month later, the couple had once again reconciled.
    Stephanie Sengwe, People.com, 28 May 2025
Verb
  • But in sunny Southern California, many of our native plants adapted to hot, dry summers by choosing that time to go dormant.
    Jeanette Marantos, Los Angeles Times, 2 June 2025
  • This story was adapted for the web by Obed Manuel and edited by Treye Green.
    Kaity Kline, NPR, 2 June 2025
Verb
  • Trump Media’s announcement also coincides with the start of the bitcoin 2025 conference in Las Vegas where Vice President JD Vance, Trump Media board member Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump are expected to speak.
    Zach Everson, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025
  • Harry’s trip to China coincides with King Charles’ royal visit to Canada.
    Janine Henni, People.com, 26 May 2025
Verb
  • Going back to the housing crisis, stocks and bonds and have been tightly correlated.
    JJ Kinahan, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
  • However, alcohol use typically isn’t correlated with frontotemporal dementia specifically, Etienne points out.
    Mara Santilli, Flow Space, 26 May 2025
Verb
  • As the fireline is constructed, inspected or reinforced, mappers record those details to adjust the containment percentage.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 2 June 2025
  • If the freshmen can adjust quickly, the defensive possibilities for this group are pretty scary.
    CJ Moore, New York Times, 2 June 2025
Verb
  • Then, scroll down for more beach essentials at Amazon, all of which will fit perfectly into your new wagon.
    Izzy Baskette, People.com, 2 June 2025
  • The most likely fits Carolina Hurricanes No contending team will have a bigger need for a star offensive player and as much cap space as the Hurricanes, who figure to be aggressive this July 1 given another disappointing exit.
    James Mirtle, New York Times, 2 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Conform.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/conform. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on conform

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