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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 oversized chair is ideal for patios, decks, or poolside spaces, and it’s filled with high-density foam that conforms to your body position, offering comfortable support for long-term sitting and relaxing. Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Sep. 2025 The moment resonated with TikTok users, many of whom praised Liz's refusal to conform to the standard tourist snapshot. Soo Kim, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Sep. 2025 The statement says appropriate steps have been taken to address the situation while conforming to the law but didn't say what those actions were, according to the South Bend Tribune. Cate Charron, IndyStar, 17 Sep. 2025 The engine consumes 5,000 to 10,000 gallons of fuel per day, and its emissions must conform to California’s air quality standards. Phil Diehl, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for conform
Recent Examples of Synonyms for conform
Verb
  • More than 2,000 years ago, the Babylonians split that band of sky into twelve equal parts that correspond with twelve constellations.
    N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 28 Sep. 2025
  • In our present-day Universe, that corresponds to a distance that’s approximately 18 billion light-years away.
    Ethan Siegel, Big Think, 25 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • When first published in Iceland in 2018, Eva BjörgÆgisdóttir was hailed as one of the most talented non ew crime authors, along the lines of Arnaldur Indriðason, Yrsa Sigurðardóttir, Ragnar Jónasson or Lilja Sigurdardottir, thanks to her ability to blend Nordic Noir with psychological depth.
    Annika Pham, Variety, 29 Sep. 2025
  • Over a mashup of fiddles and guitars, Tod and Jennings blend their rough-hewn voices on a song about consequences for older vices and choices, pondering when the consequences of those actions outweigh the vices themselves.
    Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 29 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Ultimately, the pair reconciled and married a third time, staying together until James' death.
    Ashley Hume, FOXNews.com, 26 Sep. 2025
  • Although Gasca has reconciled with her mom, who is about 20 years sober and shares her story with church groups, her early life was roiled by turmoil.
    Greg Mellen, Oc Register, 26 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • It was first adapted for the screen by Spielberg in 1985, and again decades later as a movie musical by Blitz Bazawule in 2023.
    Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 27 Sep. 2025
  • The Japanese live-action series, which was adapted from Haro Aso's manga series, premiered in 2020.
    Emily Blackwood, PEOPLE, 27 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Consumer sentiment fell more than 7 points from December 2018 to January 2019, coinciding with the most recent government shutdown, according to a Committee for Responsible Federal Budget analysis of University of Michigan survey data.
    Max Zahn, ABC News, 30 Sep. 2025
  • The date coincides with the start of UK Black History Month.
    Zac Ntim, Deadline, 29 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Groveman said that two inspections of each school per year doesn’t necessarily correlate with effective oversight.
    William Melhado, Sacbee.com, 26 Sep. 2025
  • Prior psychological research has shown that openness is frequently correlated with higher levels of giving.
    Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 25 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Cycling the heat on and off allows the robots to adjust speed and even change direction — proof that controlled, repeatable motion is possible at this tiny scale.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 26 Sep. 2025
  • When introduced carefully, often times first through scent, and given time to adjust, cats and dogs can form deep bonds.
    Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The slim design fits easily into your carry-on or personal item, and the zip-around closure keeps everything secure.
    Alesandra Dubin, Travel + Leisure, 25 Sep. 2025
  • This method worked well for me, and the costume fit her well.
    Rachel Trujillo, PEOPLE, 25 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Conform.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/conform. Accessed 1 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on conform

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