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Some common synonyms of conform<\/em> are accommodate<\/em><\/a>, adapt<\/em><\/a>, adjust<\/em><\/a>, and reconcile<\/em><\/a>. While all these words mean \"to bring one thing into correspondence with another,\" conform<\/em> applies to bringing into accordance with a pattern, example, or principle.<\/p>

\/\/ refused to conform<\/em> to society's values<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Where would 'accommodate' be a reasonable alternative to 'conform'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

The words accommodate<\/em><\/a> and conform<\/em> can be used in similar contexts, but accommodate<\/em> may suggest yielding or compromising to effect a correspondence.<\/p>

\/\/ accommodated<\/em> his political beliefs in order to win<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When could 'adapt' be used to replace 'conform'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

The meanings of adapt<\/em><\/a> and conform<\/em> largely overlap; however, adapt<\/em> implies a modification according to changing circumstances.<\/p>

\/\/ adapted<\/em> themselves to the warmer climate<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When would 'adjust' be a good substitute for 'conform'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

In some situations, the words adjust<\/em><\/a> and conform<\/em> are roughly equivalent. However, adjust<\/em> suggests bringing into a close and exact correspondence or harmony such as exists between parts of a mechanism.<\/p>

\/\/ adjusted<\/em> the budget to allow for inflation<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When might 'reconcile' be a better fit than 'conform'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

The synonyms reconcile<\/em><\/a> and conform<\/em> are sometimes interchangeable, but reconcile<\/em> implies the demonstration of the underlying compatibility of things that seem to be incompatible.<\/p>

\/\/ tried to reconcile<\/em> what he said with what I knew<\/p>" } } ] }

conform

verb

kÉ™n-ˈfȯrm How to pronounce conform (audio)
Definition of conformnext
1
as in to correspond
to be in agreement on every point the list conforms with the contents of the trunk

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to blend
to form a pleasing relationship last-minute changes in the schedule that conform with our plans nicely

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to reconcile
to bring to a state free of conflicts, inconsistencies, or differences we'll have to conform this new rule with existing policy regarding student-run organizations on campus

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in to adapt
to change (something) so as to make it suitable for a new use or situation I can be funny or serious, for I always conform my behavior to the situation

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Researchers have developed new hair-thin actuator fiber that can pave way to build safer soft robots and body-conforming wearable devices designed to interact closely with people. —Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 11 Mar. 2026 This mattress uses pressure-relieving memory foam that conforms to the body and helps circulation. —Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 11 Mar. 2026 The District voted late last year not to conform to the new tax laws, but Congress voted to reverse that decision in the middle of tax season. —Medora Lee, USA Today, 4 Mar. 2026 Trump’s figure doesn’t conform to findings by retirement professionals such as the 401(k) overseers at Bank of America. —Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 27 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for conform
Recent Examples of Synonyms for conform
  1. correspond
  2. blend
  3. reconcile
  4. adapt
  5. coincide
  6. correlate
  7. adjust
  8. fit
Verb
  • Researchers believe some kind of ritual marked this massive deposit, as the feasting and decorative objects might correspond to an event that might have propelled the stashing away of these astonishing artifacts, as per Heritage Daily.
    — Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 23 Mar. 2026
  • The researcher says that because antimatter particles are more massive than matter particles, during pair production in the early universe, the antimatter particles were slower than the corresponding matter particles.
    — Robert Lea, Space.com, 23 Mar. 2026
Definition of correspond
Verb
  • The resultant device blends fast discharge speeds with massive storage capacity, holding up to 25 times more energy per kilogram than conventional versions.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 25 Mar. 2026
  • There are also playful, family-forward touches, including a children’s play yard with direct access from bedrooms, designed to blend safety and fun without sacrificing the clean modern lines.
    — David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 24 Mar. 2026
Definition of blend
Verb
  • The government attempted to reconcile the hodgepodge of leftist ideologies and micro-factions through the testimony of Kyle Shideler, a director and senior analyst at the Center for Security Policy, a far-right think tank.
    — Rachel Monroe, New Yorker, 26 Mar. 2026
  • Now, a new study seeks to reconcile the difference between the science and what regenerative farmers experience on the land.
    — Lucianne Tonti, Vogue, 26 Mar. 2026
Definition of reconcile
Verb
  • Some questions may be adapted into full columns, and transcripts of the chats remain available after each session concludes.
    — Carolyn Hax, Washington Post, 27 Mar. 2026
  • Today, drone crews intercept them in flight with continually adapting technology.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 23 Mar. 2026
Definition of adapt
Verb
  • In the piece published March 21, the 54-year-old actress chronicles her previously undisclosed breast cancer diagnosis, which coincided with both of her parents dying in hospice care.
    — Erin Jensen, USA Today, 24 Mar. 2026
  • The Lakers’ winning streak coincided with the team’s best run of health this season, Redick said.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 24 Mar. 2026
Definition of coincide
Verb
  • Which correlates to a decline in the number of students concentrating and majoring in Black Studies.
    — Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 20 Mar. 2026
  • For this new study, Ryan and his colleagues wanted to know if human preferences for certain animal calls—including those alluring calls from male túngara frogs—correlate with the preferences of female animals.
    — Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 19 Mar. 2026
Definition of correlate
Verb
  • In South Korea, all able-bodied men between the ages of 18 and 28 must serve between 18 to 21 months in the military or social service, though the law was adjusted in 2020, allowing the K-pop stars to delay their service until age 30.
    — Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 20 Mar. 2026
  • Instead of relying on chaotic structural changes, this new device regulates electricity by simply adjusting an energy barrier at the material’s interface.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 20 Mar. 2026
Definition of adjust
Verb
  • The family room is spacious enough to fit six comfortably, and the staff can provide cots and high chairs.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Mar. 2026
  • Both testers value the design for its versatility as well as the impressive range of prints and earth tones that fit most bedroom aesthetics.
    — Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 25 Mar. 2026
Definition of fit

Phrases Containing conform

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confluents
conform
conformable
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Cite this Entry

“Conform.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/conform. Accessed 27 Mar. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on conform

Nglish: Translation of conform for Spanish Speakers

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