conform — English Dictionary

Verb

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

   Usage

   • Intransitive
   • Transitive

   Examples

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

   The sensual man conforms thoughts to things; the poet conforms things to his thoughts.

   More examples (1)

   When Nos. 1870 to 1879 emerged, in 1902, the circular front windows of the cab had given place to much larger windows, conforming to the shape of the cab roof on top and the firebox top below, [...].

2. To adapt to something by more closely matching it, especially something normative. To change to more closely match typical characteristics or behavior.

   Usage

   • Intransitive
   • often
   • Transitive
   • with-to

   Examples

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

   [B]y conforming to the dress and habits of the Gauchos, he has obtained an unbounded popularity in the country.

   More examples (1)

   In any case, most of these sharks are gray or grayish, and they certainly are typical in that they conform to everyone's idea of what a shark is supposed to look like.

3. To be as required or recommended by a specification, regulation, or policy.

   Usage

   • Intransitive
   • of things or procedures

   Examples

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

   More examples (1)

   A judge in a Texas widow’s lawsuit over the Merck drug Vioxx reduced a $32 million jury award to about $7.75 million on Thursday so that it conformed to state law. […] But Judge Alex W. Gabert, in a Rio Grande City courtroom, ordered the punitive damage reduced to conform to a 2003 Texas law that caps punitive damages at twice the amount of economic damages — lost pay — and up to $750,000 on top of noneconomic damages.

Verb

1. be similar, be in line with

   Antonyms

   deviate

   Broader terms

   matchfitcorrespondcheckjibegibetallyagree

2. adapt or conform oneself to new or different conditions

   Synonyms

   adjustadapt

   Broader terms

   get used to

   Examples

   We must adjust to the bad economic situation