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 Theater artists who have come of age in this period have been released from the burden of having to conform to notions of regional theater respectability. Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2026 Eighteen unique mannequins were created for the show, modelled off real and imagined people whose bodies don’t conform to conventional fashion-world ideals. Rachel Syme, New Yorker, 29 June 2026 Backes said plans call for tearing down the existing building where the call center is located and building a data center that would conform to North Richland Hills’ requirements. Elizabeth Campbell, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 June 2026 Vice president of communications Erin Kaplan says the classic innerspring mattress delivered temperature-regulating, body-conforming comfort for her as a side sleeper. Blake Bakkila, Architectural Digest, 23 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for conform
Recent Examples of Synonyms for conform
Verb
  • Outfielder/catcher Jesus Rodriguez was recalled from Triple-A in a corresponding roster move.
    Cam Inman, Mercury News, 8 July 2026
  • In a pair of corresponding moves, the Dodgers optioned right-handed reliever Paul Gervase to triple-A Oklahoma City and released left-hander Jake Eder.
    Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026
Verb
  • The architect designed almost 170 custom wood furnishings for the house in a style that blended harmoniously with the architecture.
    Elizabeth Fazzare, Architectural Digest, 14 July 2026
  • Starting out in the early days of the pandemic, Stickler, now 31, built her brand on blending humor and heart.
    Kara Nesvig, Time, 14 July 2026
Verb
  • But the differences between the Senate NDAA version will still need to be reconciled with the House version.
    Garrett Downs, CNBC, 14 July 2026
  • Fox initially filed for divorce in 2015, but the pair reconciled.
    Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 13 July 2026
Verb
  • Ngo frames the Lotte World ride as a test case for adapting Legendary’s characters to physical spaces.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 14 July 2026
  • The model can also adapt to new manipulation tasks with as few as 20 demonstrations through in-context learning, eliminating the need for parameter updates.
    Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 13 July 2026
Verb
  • The attacks also coincide with the multi-day funeral for former Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in the joint US-Israel operation that kicked off the war.
    Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 9 July 2026
  • The higher rates coincide with the elimination of enhanced subsidies that made ACA insurance more affordable for millions of Americans.
    Ken Alltucker, USA Today, 8 July 2026
Verb
  • Across all political identifications, being male and white correlates with higher meat consumption.
    David Rooney, The Conversation, 10 July 2026
  • These factors strongly correlate to the development of early-stage Alzheimer’s, suggesting anyone who regularly comes into contact with rubber tires may be inadvertently exposing themselves to brain-altering chemicals.
    Joe Wilkins, Futurism, 9 July 2026
Verb
  • Both players have adjusted well to professional baseball in recent months.
    Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 11 July 2026
  • As fresh visual information reaches the brain, these models are updated almost instantaneously, allowing movements to be adjusted before conscious awareness has caught up.
    Michelle Spear, Scientific American, 11 July 2026
Verb
  • The launch fits a familiar Silicon Valley pattern — ship products first, ask for forgiveness later.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026
  • The interiors are fitted with the yard’s signature seascape windows, creating a light, airy atmosphere within.
    Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 8 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Conform.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/conform. Accessed 16 Jul. 2026.

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