Synonym Chooser

How does the verb rectify differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of rectify are amend, correct, emend, redress, reform, remedy, and revise. While all these words mean "to make right what is wrong," rectify implies a more essential changing to make something right, just, or properly controlled or directed.

rectify a misguided policy

How does the word amend relate to other synonyms for rectify?

Amend, reform, and revise imply an improving by making corrective changes, amend usually suggesting slight changes.

amend a law

When can correct be used instead of rectify?

While the synonyms correct and rectify are close in meaning, correct implies taking action to remove errors, faults, deviations, defects.

correct your spelling

Where would emend be a reasonable alternative to rectify?

The words emend and rectify are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, emend specifically implies correction of a text or manuscript.

emend a text

When is it sensible to use redress instead of rectify?

The meanings of redress and rectify largely overlap; however, redress implies making compensation or reparation for an unfairness, injustice, or imbalance.

redress past social injustices

When might reform be a better fit than rectify?

In some situations, the words reform and rectify are roughly equivalent. However, reform implies drastic change.

plans to reform the court system

When would remedy be a good substitute for rectify?

The synonyms remedy and rectify are sometimes interchangeable, but remedy implies removing or making harmless a cause of trouble, harm, or evil.

set out to remedy the evils of the world

When could revise be used to replace rectify?

While in some cases nearly identical to rectify, revise suggests a careful examination of something and the making of necessary changes.

revise the schedule

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 rectify The rise is coupled with major political shifts in the country following the election of President Bernardo Arévalo, who vowed to fight corruption, tackle inequality, and rectify the discrimination against Indigenous Peoples after years of democratic erosion and corruption. Simmone Shah, Time, 16 Sep. 2025 The extension signified rectifying the city's decision, motivated by Black-white racial divisions, not to name the entire street after the Civil Rights leader. Sophia Tiedge, jsonline.com, 11 Sep. 2025 That moves a bit of blood flow to the area and helps rectify a slouchy posture, too. Erica Sloan, SELF, 11 Sep. 2025 All day, Chouinard tromped around the office, demanding something be done to rectify the situation. Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 9 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for rectify
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rectify
Verb
  • If drainage is a problem, amend soil with compost or plant on mounds or berms.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 1 Oct. 2025
  • The most notable difference is amending the Sports Broadcasting Act, a move supporters believe will pave the way for more than 130 major college football schools to substantially increase their media rights revenue.
    Ralph D. Russo, New York Times, 30 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Companies can correct perceptions of unfairness by clearly communicating the value, argues Zhang.
    Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Tarik Skubal course-corrected For now, the story of Detroit’s season is its historic collapse down the stretch.
    Chris Branch, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • To remedy this recall, dealers will inspect and replace the battery junction box, as necessary.
    Olivia Evans, Louisville Courier Journal, 2 Oct. 2025
  • Hopefully, Thrice fan Margot Robbie can remedy this.
    Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 30 Sep. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Rectify.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rectify. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on rectify

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!