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 Meanwhile, the cork in the footbed gradually conforms to my foot’s shape. Katie Jackson, Travel + Leisure, 8 Apr. 2026 Trustees displayed the transgender flag on the dais as Chanise Hendrix, the district’s LGBTQ support services coordinator, gave a presentation about the past and future of SCUSD’s efforts to protect trans and non-gender conforming students and staff. Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 6 Apr. 2026 Custom furnishings, from the bookshelves to a TV cabinet, further a fluid aesthetic without conforming to one shade. Ludovica Stevan, Architectural Digest, 5 Apr. 2026 Memory foam mattresses conform to the body and distribute weight evenly, providing pressure relief. Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 3 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for conform
Recent Examples of Synonyms for conform
Verb
  • Indoors, reportedly, one came across a corresponding ease, to the surprise of outsiders.
    Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 13 Apr. 2026
  • Porter County Treasurer Jimmy Albarran and Porter County Assessor Sue Neff will offer the one-hour workshops timed to correspond with the arrival of the 2025 Pay 2026 tax bills.
    Shelley Jones, Chicago Tribune, 11 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Church bells ring briefly each quarter hour to sound time, their melodic peals blending with ocean breezes.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Apr. 2026
  • Designed to blend easily, dry quickly, stay off your clothes (stain-free) and last about six to seven days.
    Tory Johnson, ABC News, 7 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • As the season progresses, though, these two worlds become more difficult to reconcile.
    Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 9 Apr. 2026
  • The human condition starts to reconcile things on the way out the door.
    Michael Schneider, Variety, 9 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • A lot of people were circling this to try to adapt it.
    Jennifer Wilson, New Yorker, 12 Apr. 2026
  • The star adds that finding new, innovative ways to adapt her songs for the stage has been one of her favorite parts of touring in general.
    Christian Allaire, Vogue, 12 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Fanatics aligned this year’s event to coincide with the 2026 World Cup final weekend at MetLife Stadium.
    Larry Holder, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2026
  • That was quickly followed by SAG/AFTRA’s announcement of their Actor Awards show dates coinciding with Oscars in both 2027 and 2028 (Feb 28 2027 and Feb 20 2028).
    Pete Hammond, Deadline, 7 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • But not every airline has its mileage or point system’s prices correlate with its cash prices.
    Liz Knueven,Ryley Amond, CNBC, 11 Apr. 2026
  • While real estate and stocks aren’t closely correlated in the long run, both can be affected by economic crises.
    Liz Weston, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Hutson was thrown off the first two games in Washington, but then adjusted and left a positive impact on the series for the Canadiens.
    Arpon Basu, New York Times, 10 Apr. 2026
  • In practice, that can mean swapping out legacy controllers, updating drive technology or adjusting heating systems depending on plant configuration.
    Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 10 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The pan is wide and shallow enough to fit a large portion of veg, and its ceramic nonstick coating makes for easy cleanup.
    Kate Kassin, Bon Appetit Magazine, 9 Apr. 2026
  • Adults who have questions about how alcohol fits into their diet should talk with their health care providers.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 8 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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