conformity

noun

con·​for·​mi·​ty kən-ˈfȯr-mə-tē 

plural conformities

1

: correspondence in form, manner, or character : agreement

behaved in conformity with her beliefs

2

: an act or instance of conforming

her conformity with the latest fashions

3

: action in accordance with some specified standard or authority

conformity to social custom

conformity with the federal law and state insurance codes

Synonyms

• accord
• accordance
• agreement
• conformance
• congruence
• congruency
• congruity
• consonance
• harmony
• tune

Examples of conformity in a Sentence

The corporate culture demands a certain conformity of appearance.

the simple lifestyle of the Amish is in conformity with their ascetic religious beliefs

Recent Examples on the Web

But hamstrung, now, by rigid and top-down directives that prioritize ideological conformity over practical solutions, local politicians are ill equipped to tackle the mounting pressures of fiscal insolvency and unemployment. —Jude Blanchette, Foreign Affairs, 7 Jan. 2025

If the system falls into the high-risk category, demand a compliance roadmap specifying steps for conformity assessments, whether conducted internally or by an external body. —Dimitar Dimitrov, Forbes, 3 Jan. 2025

Whether used to challenge conformity, flaunt loyalty or enliven an on-screen wardrobe, look out for more of the textile. —The Styles Desk, New York Times, 29 Dec. 2024

Insisting on a different history—or a challenging monument—did not come easily to a Jewish population that was, for centuries, intent on conformity. —Sam Knight, The New Yorker, 2 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

conformity

noun

con·​for·​mi·​ty kən-ˈfȯr-mət-ē 

plural conformities

1

: agreement in form, manner, or character

behaved in conformity with their beliefs

2

: action in accordance with a standard or authority : obedience

conformity to social custom