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 Answers have been edited only to conform with style, and not for spelling or grammar. Antonia Noori Farzan, The Providence Journal, 25 Aug. 2026 All of the windows—and even the kitchen island and the couple’s bed platform—conform to the same dimensions. Sean Santiago, Architectural Digest, 24 Aug. 2026 The key to it is to give these kids an opportunity in the summer to be with their peers and not have to conform to always having to do hard things. Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 5 Aug. 2026 Older Black voters often lionize him for his philanthropy and refusal to conform to mainstream standards. Jake Sheridan, Chicago Tribune, 5 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for conform
Recent Examples of Synonyms for conform
Verb
  • In a corresponding move, the Jets released kicker Jason Sanders and offensive lineman Kohl Levao.
    Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Both cohorts showed evidence of a dose-dependent association, in which higher blood xylitol concentrations corresponded to higher rates of cardiovascular events.
    Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 31 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • In a medium bowl or spouted glass measuring cup, whisk together the cream, egg, and almond extract until well blended.
    ABC News, ABC News, 8 Sep. 2026
  • With his job potentially at stake, Greg Vanney must quickly blend diverse personalities, languages and playing styles over the final 10 games of the regular season.
    Kevin Baxter, Los Angeles Times, 8 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Reports indicate that though Harry has reconciled with his father, King Charles, William still has no intention of meeting with his younger brother.
    Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 8 Sep. 2026
  • While her own family has never stepped foot in Taiwan, Lily holds onto the belief that perfecting her Mandarin will finally reconcile the shortcomings of being a diaspora kid.
    Kat Chen, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Yalcouye’s emergence feels like a big plus for Brighton, and the same can be said for the way in which Luka Vuskovic has adapted to the Premier League overnight.
    Stuart James, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
  • These apps have features like investment account syncing, net worth tracking and custom spending categories that adapt to retirees’ changing financial needs.
    Faith Wakefield, USA Today, 7 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • In addition to speech, our management of a localized fire for food, safety, and comfort is another uniquely human behavior, one that seems to have coincided with the development of complex spoken language.
    Mike McRae September 02, New Atlas, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Trout has spent his entire 16-year career with the Angels, a period that has coincided with one of the worst stretches in franchise history.
    Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Faster life cycles directly correlate to a multiplication of mosquitoes.
    Elena Tittel, Chicago Tribune, 6 Sep. 2026
  • That marks a change from earlier this year, when Bitcoin traded more like a risk-on asset that was more correlated with tech stocks.
    Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez, Fortune, 4 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • The club had been away since relegation in 2018 and during that period had to adjust to fielding much more mundane talent.
    David Ornstein, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026
  • Kory Kantenga, LinkedIn’s head of economics for the Americas, told Fortune that economists typically adjust labor-market data to remove predictable seasonal swings.
    Tatiana Sataua, Fortune, 5 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • The Titaner Razorbill isn't simply a Tanto blade fitted into a titanium handle.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Judge Kimberly Gallant said he must be fitted with an ankle monitor before his release and will then spend his time in home confinement.
    Caroline Silva, AJC.com, 2 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Conform.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/conform. Accessed 10 Sep. 2026.

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