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 Also in the fall 2023 semester, Texas A&M University shut down its DEI offices and revised its hiring policies to conform with the law. Mateo Rosiles, USA Today, 7 May 2026 The vast majority are honorable and conform their actions to the rules. The New Yorker, New Yorker, 4 May 2026 In the first case against Comey—the one that was tossed last year—DOJ managed to secure the indictment that Trump wanted by stretching the facts to conform to the law. Quinta Jurecic, The Atlantic, 3 May 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for conform
Recent Examples of Synonyms for conform
Verb
  • The team waived tight end Bryce Pierre and running back Montrell Johnson in corresponding moves.
    Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 18 May 2026
  • Each Weekly Voting Period will correspond to a group of three (3) finalists, with one (1) Weekly Voting Period occurring per week over five (5) consecutive weeks.
    Tim McGovern, PEOPLE, 18 May 2026
Verb
  • Either way, the journey delivers an authentic Washington experience—blending mountain landscapes, water views, and small-town character into one unforgettable road trip.
    Travel + Leisure Editors, Travel + Leisure, 19 May 2026
  • Combine the tzatziki ingredients in a bowl and stir to blend.
    Lynda Balslev, Mercury News, 19 May 2026
Verb
  • Armenia and Turkey agreed in late 2021 to work toward improving the relationship and appointed special envoys to discuss ways to reconcile and open the border.
    ABC News, ABC News, 13 May 2026
  • The combination of the AI boom and the energy crisis poses a unique challenge for governments on how to reconcile an increasingly fractured economy.
    Stephanie Yang, CNN Money, 12 May 2026
Verb
  • Just as diurnal ants follow the relatively steady movement of the sun, the bull ant species has adapted to the orbiting moon’s constant changes, according to research published in .
    K. R. Callaway, Scientific American, 17 May 2026
  • This approach preserves the visual identity of the original compact robot while adapting it to a far more demanding mechanical scale.
    Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 17 May 2026
Verb
  • Just up the hill from Union Station, the National WWI Museum and Memorial will offer weekend-long activities that coincide with the Liberty Memorial’s 100th anniversary.
    Dan Kelly May 19, Kansas City Star, 19 May 2026
  • The latest pressure campaign includes a coming indictment — expected to be announced on Wednesday, to coincide with Cuba’s independence day — against Raúl Castro, Cuba’s 94-year-old former president, who still holds significant sway over its government.
    Shelby Talcott, semafor.com, 19 May 2026
Verb
  • Lastly, here’s a fun exercise; how does team payroll correlate with these power ranks?
    Todd Boss, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026
  • For a recent study in the journal Intelligence, Stanisław Czerwiński of the University of Gdańsk in Poland and his colleagues investigated how intelligence correlates with mental health.
    Simon Makin, Scientific American, 14 May 2026
Verb
  • The brand is also realistic about breaking in new shoes—especially ones with orthotic features—and recommends only wearing these for a couple of hours for the first few days so that your feet can adjust.
    Jessie Quinn, StyleCaster, 15 May 2026
  • The strap can be adjusted to your liking, ranging from 16 to 29 inches at its longest.
    Claire West, PEOPLE, 15 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 20 May. 2026.

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