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 Business owners, religious believers and now licensed professionals have faced mounting pressure to conform to a particular ideological framework or face penalties. Jeffrey S. Trimbath, Baltimore Sun, 20 Apr. 2026 Never one to conform to tradition, Diana selected the ring anyway, setting the tone for her own unique approach to royal life. Kelsey Lentz, PEOPLE, 19 Apr. 2026 The 6-inch gel memory foam provides a soft, plush feel and conforms to your body’s natural curves, reducing pressure points on the shoulders and hips. Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 16 Apr. 2026 In states that don’t conform to the federal tax changes, workers who receive a federal tax deduction for tips or overtime still will owe state taxes on those earnings. ABC News, 12 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for conform
Recent Examples of Synonyms for conform
Verb
  • The city will be divided into five collection areas corresponding to residents’ garbage day.
    Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 27 Apr. 2026
  • When aftershock data is available, the corresponding maps and charts include earthquakes within 100 miles and seven days of the initial quake.
    William B. Davis, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • This new iteration was partly handled by Room40 label boss Lawrence English, who reconstructed the original master tapes and blended them with recent performances by Lockwood and Vanessa Tomlinson, who plays the gong.
    Joshua Minsoo Kim, Pitchfork, 28 Apr. 2026
  • The Personal Blender includes two Tritan Renew blending cups and the ultra-durable Rapid Extractor Blade to make delicious smoothies and more.
    Tory Johnson, ABC News, 28 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • But Serkis’ sweetly queasy film can’t reconcile with the brutality of Orwell’s original writing.
    Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 30 Apr. 2026
  • Critics haven’t been able to reconcile the film’s disparate goals.
    Bethy Squires, Vulture, 30 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • In Manatee County, where leaders had hoped to adapt their comprehensive plan to guard against the storms that have battered the coast year after year, the same Legislature has declared that strengthening it is unlawful.
    Haley Busch, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 Apr. 2026
  • Households with resources will find other ways to adapt — through private upgrades, newer homes, or alternative energy options.
    Ed Gaskin, Boston Herald, 26 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The launch is expected to coincide with the 250th anniversary in July.
    Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 28 Apr. 2026
  • This increase in spending has coincided with more layoffs in the tech sector.
    Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 28 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The increase in secondhand clothing transactions correlates with a slump in the fortunes of department stores, which often cater to a more middle-income consumer.
    Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez, Fortune, 24 Apr. 2026
  • These stressors seem to be more closely correlated with rising depression and suicide concerns than social media use.
    Jennifer Huddleston, Oc Register, 24 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Stay honest, keep your promises realistic, and let the connection adjust naturally instead of trying to control the outcome.
    Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 25 Apr. 2026
  • Another challenge was adjusting to expectations for onscreen intimacy, a staple of vertical dramas.
    Chang Che, New Yorker, 25 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The metaphor perfectly fits the 6-foot-5 Jordan, who casts an imposing figure on the mound.
    Patrick Z. McGavin, Chicago Tribune, 30 Apr. 2026
  • The roomy interior easily fits travel essentials—think a camera, wallet, passport, portable charger, phone, and more—without feeling bulky.
    Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 29 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Conform.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/conform. Accessed 1 May. 2026.

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