conformity

noun

con·​for·​mi·​ty kən-ˈfȯr-mə-tē How to pronounce conformity (audio)
plural conformities
1
: correspondence in form, manner, or character : agreement
behaved in conformity with her beliefs
2
: an act or instance of conforming
her conformity with the latest fashions
3
: action in accordance with some specified standard or authority
conformity to social custom
conformity with the federal law and state insurance codes

Examples of conformity in a Sentence

The corporate culture demands a certain conformity of appearance. the simple lifestyle of the Amish is in conformity with their ascetic religious beliefs
Recent Examples on the Web Established in 1924, the Soviet Republic of Volga Germans was intended to bring Communist conformity to an Eastern European region that had maintained its own culture and language since the first German colonists arrived in the mid-17th century. Alida Becker, New York Times, 15 Jan. 2024 There, worlds and feelings collide, conformity battles individualism, and shy teenager Enn falls in love with the rebellious alien, Zan (Elle Fanning). EW.com, 13 Nov. 2023 The true horror of Kaufman's Invasion, though, is that acquiescence gives way to McCarthyism; in conformity, old friends become new enemies. Randall Colburn, EW.com, 9 Nov. 2023 My manager's aversion to creativity left our team in a stifled state of conformity. Morgan Massie, Forbes, 13 Feb. 2024 This was the initial stage of awards-season conformity, using sheer numbers to discourage — censor — diversity of opinion. Armond White, National Review, 19 Jan. 2024 To expect conformity, after all, would risk perpetuating the Plastics’ own mistake, forcing a promising newcomer to be nothing more than an expert piece of mimicry. Justin Chang, Los Angeles Times, 10 Jan. 2024 There is ample evidence that deliberation can, in fact, lead to groupthink (greater conformity) or even group polarization (whereby individual beliefs are intensified). Foreign Affairs, 12 Dec. 2023 In an era where conformity was the norm, Richard’s inner struggles were a symphony of discordant notes. Shelby Stewart, Essence, 3 Oct. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'conformity.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of conformity was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near conformity

Cite this Entry

“Conformity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/conformity. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

conformity

noun
con·​for·​mi·​ty kən-ˈfȯr-mət-ē How to pronounce conformity (audio)
plural conformities
1
: agreement in form, manner, or character
behaved in conformity with their beliefs
2
: action in accordance with a standard or authority : obedience
conformity to social custom

More from Merriam-Webster on conformity

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