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 museum has also allegedly not conformed to the Uniform Prudent Management of Institutional Funds Act (UPMIFA), which requires trustees to manage an endowment so that its spending power is maintained. Brian Boucher, ARTnews.com, 29 Apr. 2026 The point was to conform language to lies, to narrow the range of thought, to obscure the truth, and, over time, to get people to believe in illusions. Literary Hub, 27 Apr. 2026 At that time, the owners, and the development team committed to file a conforming site plan application within one year of the approval, which deadline the Zoning Board extended in March 2025 to November 5, 2025. Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 25 Apr. 2026 This will help ensure that students, staff and faculty can ask questions and express views without pressure to conform to an official institutional stance. Shannon Watkins, Twin Cities, 23 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for conform
Recent Examples of Synonyms for conform
Verb
  • In a corresponding move, the Dodgers optioned Paul Gervase, who threw three innings Saturday in the Dodgers’ 7-2 loss to the Braves, to triple-A Oklahoma City.
    Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 10 May 2026
  • In 2014, the private equity scion Leon Black made two personal donations, totally $950,000, to the think tank—donations Epstein was corresponding and asking about, emails show.
    Jessica Mathews, Fortune, 9 May 2026
Verb
  • Known for blending athleticism with entertainment, the game will include one of the biggest performances the league has ever seen, bringing together all six teams, along with its signature on-field showmanship from first pitch to final out.
    Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 12 May 2026
  • The result is a travel category that blends science, culture and slow tourism.
    Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 12 May 2026
Verb
  • Deep in Mexico’s forests, two Indigenous mycologists seek to reconcile the past and present while reimagining the future for themselves and a changing world.
    Matthew Carey, Deadline, 6 May 2026
  • In nature, ecological processes tend to reconcile these extremes, converging on population sizes that sustain ecosystem health long-term — the sweet spot.
    Paige Stein, Hartford Courant, 4 May 2026
Verb
  • Lamborghini says the front and rear subframes are entirely new, while the carbon-fiber monocoque has been adapted specifically for the open-top configuration.
    James Morris, Forbes.com, 10 May 2026
  • The first book was adapted for the big screen by Lim and her team, and became a smash hit, earning over $239 million worldwide.
    Arushi Jacob, Variety, 10 May 2026
Verb
  • Duffy's tenure has coincided with a chaotic time for air travel, from aviation disasters to shutdown shortages to financial woes caused by high jet fuel prices.
    Rachel Treisman, NPR, 12 May 2026
  • Many of these spots also host farm dinners, cider tastings, and pick-your-own flower nights throughout the summer—check local calendars for events that might coincide with your trip.
    Hannah Howard, Travel + Leisure, 12 May 2026
Verb
  • Meanwhile, on Facebook, posting behavior is correlated on both sides of the partisan divide and has more to do with how active the most partisan users are, prompting casual users to disengage so that those louder voices dominate, making the platform narrower and more ideologically extreme.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 7 May 2026
  • More passive use of social media is correlated with more depression and anxiety, Greenberg said.
    CNN Money, CNN Money, 6 May 2026
Verb
  • Stay flexible, adjust lightly, and let what feels enjoyable lead.
    Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 9 May 2026
  • The rate paid is adjusted every six months by the Treasury Department and depends on inflation.
    Sarah Agostino, CNBC, 8 May 2026
Verb
  • The newest data fits a trend, alongside news that Chicago once again has the country’s busiest airfield and is a top tourist destination, disproving the narrative that the city is shrinking, said Erin Connelly, communication director for Mayor Brandon Johnson.
    Robert McCoppin, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2026
  • Even the busiest gym bro could fit it in.
    Rebecca Firkser, Bon Appetit Magazine, 14 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Conform.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/conform. Accessed 14 May. 2026.

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