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 What’s happened conforms to a classic pattern of far-left and far-right politics in France, and in Europe generally. — Caroline Mimbs Nyce, New Yorker, 21 Oct. 2026 Malleable, sure, but this ambitious misfire can never conform to one shape, one final form, or one good idea. — Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 21 Oct. 2026 Furthermore, many conventional devices use brittle, rigid materials that cannot easily stretch or conform to irregular surfaces, limiting their suitability for soft robotics and seamless biological integration. — New Atlas, 18 Oct. 2026 State consequences may diverge because some states conform to federal tax rules and others do not. — Carolyn Schenck, Forbes.com, 16 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for conform
Recent Examples of Synonyms for conform
Verb
  • The move in its corresponding options prices was even bigger, with the Cboe Volatility index falling about four points to below 17, the biggest one-day drop in the volatility gauge since at least July.
    — Oliver Renick, CNBC, 4 Nov. 2026
  • Close wore a coat dress made of Burkina Faso fabric, while Stone was dressed in the corresponding blazer and skirt.
    — Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 4 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • Known for their genre-blending country music and tight harmonies, the sisters played guitar, banjo, fiddle and mandolin.
    — Anna Tingley, Variety, 3 Nov. 2026
  • Patinkin cautions that long-wearing lipsticks and stains may dry too quickly to blend, while oily balms may not stay put on skin.
    — Ashley Lynch, Kansas City Star, 3 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • Much of its existing business is built around connecting institutions and reconciling complex financial-market infrastructure.
    — Isabella Gao, CNBC, 30 Oct. 2026
  • Still, reconciling varied interests usually requires more than a willingness to change course.
    — Jasmin Malik Chua, Footwear News, 28 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • There was a time where having her books adapted for the screen felt like the epitome of Adeyemi’s work.
    — Wisdom Iheanyichukwu, Vanity Fair, 2 Nov. 2026
  • This column is adapted from an episode of the Life Hax podcast and has been lightly edited for clarity.
    — Carolyn Hax, Washington Post, 2 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • Those headlines coincided with a rebound in stock market futures.
    — Sean Conlon, CNBC, 4 Nov. 2026
  • John Probst, president of NASCAR Event Management, said the sanctioning body continues to search for additional manufacturers and noted that an appealing entry point could coincide with a new engine platform planned between 2030 and 2032.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 3 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • Almost none of the variance in the different measures correlated with each other.
    — ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Spending has strongly correlated with postseason success in MLB.
    — Justin Birnbaum, Sportico.com, 29 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • By adjusting the distance between the tips, the team could stretch or compress the molecular structure, changing the voltage at which the current enhancement began.
    — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Hackett said adjusting investments to reflect personal financial goals, changes in risk tolerance, or shifting income needs are good reasons to make changes.
    — Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Rock fans desperately want a big rock band to root for, and My Chemical Romance fits the bill.
    — Eric Renner Brown, Billboard, 4 Nov. 2026
  • Preternaturally poised and absolutely adorable, Arlo seems genetically engineered to fit into Peter’s chaotic life and thrive.
    — Glenn Whipp, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Conform.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/conform. Accessed 6 Nov. 2026.

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