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 Tempur-Pedic’s proprietary material is a body-conforming foam the brand uses for their popular mattresses, toppers, and pillows. Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 4 Aug. 2026 YouTube will continue consuming an increasing share of television viewing without conforming to Hollywood’s traditional definitions of either a studio or a network. Paul Hardart, Fortune, 4 Aug. 2026 This material conforms to your body and holds up well over time. Bestreviews, Mercury News, 31 July 2026 Many changes are stylistic, attempting to conform to the language of the regulation to existing language in use in other state statutes. Jon McGowan, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for conform
Recent Examples of Synonyms for conform
Verb
  • Anticipating their communications would ​be sought through Freedom of Information Act requests, Morens and others agreed to correspond using Morens’ personal email account ​instead of his government one, prosecutors said.
    Reuters, NBC news, 19 Aug. 2026
  • While the woman was unnamed in the police memo, a corresponding court case names Gallagher as the subject of an Apprehended Violence Application filed on behalf of Gael Cameron, a fellow Below Deck castmate with whom Gallagher shares a young child.
    Cheyenne Roundtree, Rolling Stone, 19 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Trusted by senior executives for her insight and strategic clarity, Sharifa blends cultural fluency with cutting-edge program design.
    Big Think, Big Think, 18 Aug. 2026
  • The play blends fact, memory, and theatrical imagination, offering a glimpse into the creative forces behind one of the most influential works in American theater.
    Armando Tinoco, Deadline, 18 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • The family was in the middle of a cookout when Silvia arrived, and after an unsuccessful attempt to reconcile, authorities said Silvia retrieved the shotgun from his truck and shot the two women.
    CBS News, CBS News, 18 Aug. 2026
  • The couple were not believed to have reconciled at the time of Panettiere’s death.
    Meg Walters, InStyle, 18 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • With no European football, Chelsea can focus on adapting to Alonso’s methods in training and to setting the long-term ‘project’ back on track.
    George Edwards, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Webtoon boasts 155 million monthly active users across an array of titles that have been adapted for traditional TV and movies.
    William Earl, Variety, 17 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Brian Fluharty / Getty Images Rutschman’s emergence has coincided with Gasper’s solid at-bats since being recalled over the weekend in light of Masataka Yoshida’s appointment to the IL.
    Jen McCaffrey, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026
  • As with the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing, many of the attacks coincided with local civil rights activism and protest.
    Jason Wollschleger, The Conversation, 19 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Research indicates that utilizing these benefits correlates with improved health outcomes, including higher rates of preventive visits and better chronic disease management.
    Aimée K. Dailey, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026
  • In their survey, eras when European societies have faced greater insecurity, such as times of economic stress, have correlated with an uptick in the belief in non-physical, spiritual or magical influences.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 14 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • To be fair, like the other QBs, Allen is adjusting to a new scheme; none of the three delivered particularly sharp days.
    Charlotte Carroll, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026
  • After casting was completed, Menart spent a year working with the actors on developing their characters and adjusting the script accordingly.
    Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 15 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Legal experts dispute Abbott’s claims that the ritual washing stations are discriminatory, with some saying his attack fits a pattern of anti-Muslim actions and rhetoric.
    Molly Hennessy-Fiske, Washington Post, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Some suites intentionally feel cave-like and cocooning, which fits the atmosphere but may not suit everyone.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Conform.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/conform. Accessed 20 Aug. 2026.

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