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 numerals also conform to the 1908 style, with 3 and 9 o’clock Arabic numerals instead of stick indexes like those on the 8171. — Carol Besler, Robb Report, 15 Sep. 2026 As one of the three colorways that conformed with the NBA’s uniform regulations, the sneaker is rendered primarily in white. — Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 10 Sep. 2026 However, insects such as the fruit fly and plants such as the silverweed cinquefoil have also been shown to conform to Gloger’s rule. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 3 Sep. 2026 The key lesson for personal branding is to embrace distinctiveness, substance, and a unique voice, rather than conforming to generic professionalism. — William Arruda, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for conform
Recent Examples of Synonyms for conform
Verb
  • The coordinates of a vector in Hilbert space include information that corresponds to this alignment of peaks and troughs, called a wave’s phase.
    — Elise Cutts, Quanta Magazine, 23 Sep. 2026
  • In corresponding moves, the Dodgers optioned right-hander Emmet Sheehan and catcher Eliézer Alfonzo to triple-A Oklahoma City.
    — Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 23 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Curate your own Southeast Florida experience by blending iconic luxury with its local secrets.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Sep. 2026
  • For people who hate the texture, blending is what makes the whole thing work.
    — Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 22 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • During downtime, Benioff practiced violin and tried to reconcile his love of music with his understanding of science.
    — Danny Robb, JSTOR Daily, 25 Sep. 2026
  • But does the system know whether the transaction has been reconciled?
    — Sunil Padiyar, Forbes.com, 25 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Rather than forcing you to adapt to a permanently stitched grid of elastic loops, the M3 utilizes heavy-duty, modular pages.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 29 Sep. 2026
  • However, cane begonias, rex begonias, and wax begonias all adapt well to indoor living and can either be grown as permanent houseplants or moved back outdoors after winter.
    — Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 28 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • The rally coincided with Bitcoin’s brief move above $87,000, a level not seen since January, as the broader crypto market advanced.
    — Camila Grigera Naón, Fortune, 23 Sep. 2026
  • The timing of her return surely coincides with the circumstances surrounding her near death and the grim mysteries that have engulfed the slow horses.
    — Scott Tobias, Vulture, 23 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Macroeconomic pressures could derail the outlook, though the analyst said that rising interest rates typically aren’t correlated with any reaction by Royal Caribbean’s stock.
    — Davis Giangiulio, CNBC, 28 Sep. 2026
  • Regular-season success isn’t directly correlated with postseason performance.
    — Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 27 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • In 2025, however, foundation giving increased by just 3 percent (again, adjusted for inflation).
    — Phil Buchanan, Fortune, 26 Sep. 2026
  • Watering thoroughly and mulching are essential to help plants adjust after transplanting.
    — Nadia Hassani, The Spruce, 26 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Cygnet believes that intentional drinking is about what fits the moment at hand, as opposed to restriction.
    — Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 24 Sep. 2026
  • At the same time, teenage Nussbaum yearned to fit in school, to find the perfect Villager brand outfit, a skirt sweater over a shirt with a Peter Pan collar that (in those pre-hippie days) was sweeping suburban high schools.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 24 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Conform.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/conform. Accessed 30 Sep. 2026.

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