as in integrated
to make a part of a body or system
the national organization co-opted many formerly independent local groups
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Recent Examples of co-opted
Carnival has been co-opted by—and used to promote the philosophies of—various movements, from the Protestant Reformation to National Socialism.
—
Tim Brinkhof, JSTOR Daily, 1 Apr. 2026
But invariably, these calls are co-opted by conservatives to demonize those on the short end of the stick.
—Literary Hub, 30 Mar. 2026
But vigilante movements in Mexico historically get co-opted by rival cartels or massacred, creating a dangerous spiral that could worsen after recent cartel leadership deaths.
—Megan Janetsky, Los Angeles Times, 20 Mar. 2026
Loosen up, and be patriotic without fear that something like the American flag or Pledge of Allegiance has been co-opted by conservatives.
—Meg Kinnard, Fortune, 3 Mar. 2026
Rebellion is co-opted into pro-capitalism sloganeering.
—David Fear, Rolling Stone, 21 Feb. 2026
This time, instead of pulling out another clever weapon, Peter walks straight towards his partner, insisting that Hagan has co-opted him for a dirty cause.
—Jake Kring-Schreifels, Time, 19 Feb. 2026
New Balance is no stranger to having its running footwear co-opted as lifestyle sneakers by style-savvy consumers, but basketball shoes are a far tougher egg to crack — and that goes for any brand.
—Riley Jones, Footwear News, 5 Feb. 2026
And it’s only gotten harder, because in America our current government has quite purposefully and cynically co-opted a lot of conspiratorial thinking to muddy the waters to further their own cultural and political project.
—Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 13 Jan. 2026
Tim Brinkhof, JSTOR Daily, 1 Apr. 2026
But invariably, these calls are co-opted by conservatives to demonize those on the short end of the stick.
—Literary Hub, 30 Mar. 2026
But vigilante movements in Mexico historically get co-opted by rival cartels or massacred, creating a dangerous spiral that could worsen after recent cartel leadership deaths.
—Megan Janetsky, Los Angeles Times, 20 Mar. 2026
Loosen up, and be patriotic without fear that something like the American flag or Pledge of Allegiance has been co-opted by conservatives.
—Meg Kinnard, Fortune, 3 Mar. 2026
Rebellion is co-opted into pro-capitalism sloganeering.
—David Fear, Rolling Stone, 21 Feb. 2026
This time, instead of pulling out another clever weapon, Peter walks straight towards his partner, insisting that Hagan has co-opted him for a dirty cause.
—Jake Kring-Schreifels, Time, 19 Feb. 2026
New Balance is no stranger to having its running footwear co-opted as lifestyle sneakers by style-savvy consumers, but basketball shoes are a far tougher egg to crack — and that goes for any brand.
—Riley Jones, Footwear News, 5 Feb. 2026
And it’s only gotten harder, because in America our current government has quite purposefully and cynically co-opted a lot of conspiratorial thinking to muddy the waters to further their own cultural and political project.
—Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 13 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for co-opted
Verb
-
Its unibody frame is integrated with a Ni-Ti alloy memory wire to ensure a secure, slip-free fit during high-intensity gym sessions or cycling.—
Juhi Wadia,
PC Magazine,
31 Mar. 2026
-
Medieval and Early Modern Innovations By the medieval period, pickling techniques had become deeply integrated into European culinary traditions.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
31 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
It was incorporated as a town in 1833 and then again as a city in 1837.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
2 Apr. 2026
-
Throughout his music career, Cole has incorporated basketball images and references into his lyrics, performances and cover art.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
2 Apr. 2026
Verb
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His steely aide-de-camp, Mauricio Corredor (also based on a historical figure), is of Rarámuri heritage but has assimilated into Mexican culture.—
Carolina A. Miranda,
The Atlantic,
5 Mar. 2026
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She was assimilated into the suburban New England life in America.—
Benjamin VanHoose,
PEOPLE,
12 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Co-opted.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/co-opted. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.
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