conformist

American  

[kuhn-fawr-mist] / kənˈfɔr mɪst /

noun

1. a person who conforms, especially unquestioningly, to the usual practices or standards of a group, society, etc.

2. (often initial capital letter) a person who conforms to the usages of an established church, especially the Church of England.

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adjective

1. of or characterized by conforming, especially in action or appearance.

conformist British  

/ kənˈfɔːmɪst /

noun

1. a person who adopts the attitudes, behaviour, dress, etc of the group to which he belongs

2. a person who complies with the practices of an established church, esp the Church of England

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adjective

1. of a conforming nature or character

Other Word Forms

• anticonformist
  noun
• conformism
  noun
• hyperconformist
  noun
• semiconformist
  noun
• superconformist
  noun

Etymology

Origin of conformist

First recorded in 1625–35; conform + -ist

Explanation

A conformist is a person who follows traditional standards of conduct. If you're a conformist, it's unlikely you'll join a revolution to overthrow your government; instead you'll argue that it's best to keep things the way they are. Conformist comes from the Old French word conformer, which means "to agree to, make or be similar, be agreeable." People sometimes use the term conformist in a negative way, as an insult implying that someone doesn't have the brains or the guts to question the status quo. Conformist can also be used as an adjective to describe something that follows convention and established customs. A conformist school board, for example, would follow the usual time-tested curriculum.

Example Sentences

But it is fair to say that Scotland’s political attitude is conformist.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 5, 2025

"Attending a concert is a mix of bragging rights, being a conformist and being part of the scene," he says.

From BBC • Sep. 28, 2024

It’s the most conformist and hierarchical sport, its players subject to punishment if they do not follow the detailed orders of an older man who often has a military background.

From Slate • Aug. 21, 2024

I have certainly been in the game, historically, of trying to make my body look more conformist than it actually is or wants to be.

From Salon • Jan. 9, 2024

I just can’t be a conformist like most of the girls on the team.

From "The Freedom Writers Diary" by The Freedom Writers