Conform

//kənˈfɔːm// verb

verb ·Common ·High school level

Definitions

Verb
  1. 1
    To adapt to something by more closely matching it, especially something normative. intransitive, transitive

    "There is a worm by Phoebus bred, By leaves of mulberry is fed, Which unprovided where to dwell, Conforms itself to weave a cell."

  2. 2
    adapt or conform oneself to new or different conditions wordnet
  3. 3
    To adapt to something by more closely matching it, especially something normative.; To change to more closely match typical characteristics or behavior. intransitive, often, transitive, with-to

    "[H]e had a dispensation for conforming in outward observances to the Protestant faith."

  4. 4
    be similar, be in line with wordnet
  5. 5
    To be as required or recommended by a specification, regulation, or policy. intransitive

    "In height and breadth it conformed to the prescribed measurements laid down by the rules of the contest."

Synonyms

All synonyms
adjustabide byacclimateaccommodateaccommodate withaccord

Example

More examples

"You should conform to the rules."

Etymology

From Middle English conformen, borrowed from Middle French and Anglo-Norman conformer, from Latin conformāre (“to mould, to shape after”).

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Data sourced from Wiktionary, WordNet, CMU, and other open linguistic databases. Updated March 2026.