as in to integrate
to make a part of a body or system
the national organization co-opted many formerly independent local groups
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 co-opt
Unlike in dictatorships, this tends to involve not overt methods like book burning but quieter techniques such as co-opting media company shareholders to slant their coverage or using limited censorship supposedly designed to fight extremism or child pornography.
—
Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 2 Apr. 2025
During his eight years in government, Uribe introduced legislation that sought to increase the powers of the executive, undermine the courts and congress, and co-opt oversight agencies.
—Laura Gamboa, Foreign Affairs, 31 Mar. 2025
This did lead to the abuse of progressive ideology, for example in Argentina, where Kirchnerism co-opted the human rights organizations and ultimately tainted their mission with political ideology, while allowing corruption to flow through them.
—Agustino Fontevecchia, Forbes.com, 29 Mar. 2025
Mann saw the film as a decidedly political work, showing how an independent, high-end thief, Frank (James Caan), was co-opted and exploited by the notorious Chicago Outfit.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 27 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for co-opt
Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 2 Apr. 2025
During his eight years in government, Uribe introduced legislation that sought to increase the powers of the executive, undermine the courts and congress, and co-opt oversight agencies.
—Laura Gamboa, Foreign Affairs, 31 Mar. 2025
This did lead to the abuse of progressive ideology, for example in Argentina, where Kirchnerism co-opted the human rights organizations and ultimately tainted their mission with political ideology, while allowing corruption to flow through them.
—Agustino Fontevecchia, Forbes.com, 29 Mar. 2025
Mann saw the film as a decidedly political work, showing how an independent, high-end thief, Frank (James Caan), was co-opted and exploited by the notorious Chicago Outfit.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 27 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for co-opt
Recent Examples of Synonyms for co-opt
Verb
-
To further integrate the environment, use natural materials such as oak and mixed hardwood.—
Katherine McLaughlin,
Architectural Digest,
18 Apr. 2025
-
Then the hope is that over time the company starts integrating that into their work and the performance in an unselfconscious way.—
Jackson McHenry,
Vulture,
18 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
By utilizing a design approach that incorporates societal and cultural themes, McNeil’s projects are a beautiful medley of soulful modern interiors.—
Sydney Gore,
Architectural Digest,
6 Feb. 2025
-
The future of design incorporates old items, antiques, mixing them with new pieces and expanding palettes.—
Sydney Gore,
Architectural Digest,
6 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
Yet Ono’s appeal, in my mind at least, lies precisely in her resistance to relatability: her fiery refusal to assimilate and adhere to conventions.—
Beatrice Loayza,
ARTnews.com,
26 Mar. 2025
-
For many years, Canada had a policy of separating Indigenous children from their families and forcing them to attend residential schools and assimilate into Canada’s white culture.—
David Moin,
WWD,
24 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Co-opt.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/co-opt. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share