fit in

To feel accepted by a group because you are similar to its members.

• I just want to fit in.
• She fitted in well with the team.
• Did you find it easy to fit in at your new school?

How to use it: fit in with someone (She quickly fitted in with her new classmates.); fit in at somewhere (He finds it hard to fit in at school.)

Similar words: belong, blend in

Opposites: stand out

Common phrases: fit in at school, fit in with someone

To be small enough to go inside a particular space.

• Will this fit in my bag?
• The sofa fitted in the small room.
• Three people can fit in the back seat.

How to use it: fit in something (All the books fit in this box.)

Similar words: fit

Common phrases: fit in a box, fit in a bag

To find time for a person or activity in a busy schedule.

• Can you fit me in tomorrow?
• She fitted in a quick swim before work.
• We couldn’t fit another meeting in this week.

How to use it: fit someone/something in (The dentist can fit you in tomorrow.); fit someone/something in between things (I fitted a walk in between meetings.)

Similar words: make time for, squeeze in, schedule

Common phrases: fit in an appointment, fit in someone

To be suitable for a plan, system, or way of doing things.

• That idea fits in with our plans.
• The new rules fitted in with our existing system.
• Will this color fit in with the room’s style?

How to use it: fit in with something (The new building fits in with our overall design.)

Similar words: suit, conform, be compatible

Opposites: clash

Common phrases: fit in with something, fit in with plans

To agree with other facts or ideas without causing a contradiction.

• Her story fits in with the facts.
• These results don’t fit in with our theory.
• How does that detail fit in with his explanation?

How to use it: fit in with something (His account fits in with the evidence.)

Similar words: agree, be consistent, accord

Opposites: contradict

Common phrases: fit in with evidence, fit in with something

To find a job or role for someone within a group or activity.

• We can fit you in somewhere.
• They fitted the new volunteer in as a helper.
• How can we fit her in on this project?

How to use it: fit someone in (We will fit you in wherever your skills are most useful.)

Similar words: accommodate, assign a role to

Common phrases: fit in someone, fit in a volunteer