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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 Instead of attempting tit-for-tat intrusions into Chinese civilian infrastructure, the United States could focus on targeting military assets that China depends on during crises, which would conform with international law and may have a greater effect on the Chinese government’s strategy. Anne Neuberger, Foreign Affairs, 13 Aug. 2025 Just ask the three tomboys who don’t conform to societal expectations and meet a trans woman called Fantasy in, yes, Fantasy, the feature directorial debut of Slovenian musician and director Kukla. Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 7 Aug. 2025 In its second quarter financial report released on August 6, the company noted several milestones including: Preparation for final assembly of the first of several conforming aircraft intended for Type Inspection Authorization flight testing. Ed Garsten, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025 In a letter sent to the institution on Tuesday, officials said the review would determine if materials conformed to the Trump administration's views on teaching history. Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 13 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for conform
Recent Examples of Synonyms for conform
Verb
  • Note: Most subscribers have some, but not all, of the puzzles that correspond to the following set of solutions for their local newspaper.
    USA TODAY, USA Today, 24 Aug. 2025
  • But the agency rarely issues full-on swim bans based on water quality; for that to happen, test results need to correspond with an event when sewage flows into the lake, said Cathy Breitenbach, natural resources director at the Chicago Park District.
    Adriana Pérez, Chicago Tribune, 22 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • On Instagram, her world comes alive, blending jewelry design, gem-sourcing trips, and travel into one coherent narrative.
    Sonia Esther Soltani, Forbes.com, 25 Aug. 2025
  • Her work blends formats and genres to inspire the next generation of storytellers.
    Anna Marie de la Fuente, Variety, 25 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Kuipers offers an innovative framework for thinking about the different ways in which these states reconcile the tension between state building and nation building by blending discretion, meritocracy, and affirmative action in the recruitment of personnel.
    Foreign Affairs, Foreign Affairs, 19 Aug. 2025
  • Leaders practice reconciling an AI recommendation with their own judgment, debating an ethical trade-off with no easy answer, or realigning a group after trust slips.
    Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Navigating these divergent end uses means adapting not just to market demand but to the geopolitical and policy priorities behind it.
    Robert Ginsburg, Forbes.com, 25 Aug. 2025
  • This article has been adapted from Ilana Kurshan’s forthcoming memoir, Children of the Book.
    Ilana Kurshan, The Atlantic, 24 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • The announcement coincides with a tribute to another Belfast legend.
    Matthew Catellier, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2025
  • The song’s arrival coincides with the release of the second half of the Netflix show on the same day.
    Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 30 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Dee was able to correlate raids with a 22% increase in student absenteeism, particularly affecting youngest learners.
    Sonia Banker, Sun Sentinel, 18 Aug. 2025
  • The consequences of that failure are now undeniable: rising rates of anxiety, depression, and social isolation among young people correlate directly with social media adoption.
    Annie Chestnut Tutor, Boston Herald, 18 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • As the fireline is constructed, inspected or reinforced, mappers record those details to adjust the containment percentage.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 26 Aug. 2025
  • Getting hospital privileges at Wisconsin's various health institutions sometimes requires mental health disclosure, although some organizations, like UW Health, have adjusted their questions to remove these disclosures.
    Natalie Eilbert, jsonline.com, 26 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Understanding the choices available can help residents find a service that fits their needs and budget.
    Kara McGinley, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2025
  • You might be handed a major task late in the day with an impossible deadline, or have responsibilities reshuffled hours before a presentation so that your work no longer fits.
    Benjamin Laker, Forbes.com, 25 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Conform.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/conform. Accessed 3 Sep. 2025.

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