reform 1 of 2

1
as in to rehabilitate
to make better in behavior or character volunteers at a sanctuary that tries to reform dogs with behavior problems

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
as in to improve
to change one's behavior or character for the better a man who's been trying to reform ever since he got fired for missing too many days of work

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

3

reform

2 of 2

noun

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb reform differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of reform are amend, correct, emend, rectify, redress, remedy, and revise. While all these words mean "to make right what is wrong," reform implies drastic change.

plans to reform the court system

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

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

amend a law

When is it sensible to use correct instead of reform?

The meanings of correct and reform largely overlap; however, correct implies taking action to remove errors, faults, deviations, defects.

correct your spelling

Where would emend be a reasonable alternative to reform?

Although the words emend and reform have much in common, emend specifically implies correction of a text or manuscript.

emend a text

When is rectify a more appropriate choice than reform?

While in some cases nearly identical to reform, rectify implies a more essential changing to make something right, just, or properly controlled or directed.

rectify a misguided policy

When would redress be a good substitute for reform?

The words redress and reform are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, redress implies making compensation or reparation for an unfairness, injustice, or imbalance.

redress past social injustices

When can remedy be used instead of reform?

While the synonyms remedy and reform are close in meaning, remedy implies removing or making harmless a cause of trouble, harm, or evil.

set out to remedy the evils of the world

When might revise be a better fit than reform?

The synonyms revise and reform are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 reform
Verb
This month, however, Milei’s party faces critical midterm elections that could reshape the legislative balance and determine the viability of his reform agenda. Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Oct. 2025 In late September, young Peruvian protestors clashed with police after protesting a pension reform bill passed that would force young people to pay into a private pension fund. Rebecca Schneid, Time, 14 Oct. 2025
Noun
Members of Congress are also working to reform the visa, which has largely gone unchanged since its creation in 1990. Dan Gooding, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Oct. 2025 In the aftermath of a robbery, a young restaurant worker takes action to reform her workplace. Zac Ntim, Deadline, 6 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for reform
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reform
Verb
  • The federal push aimed to repair, rehabilitate and replace old iron and steel pipes with new pipelines to improve safety.
    NPR, NPR, 13 Oct. 2025
  • Community members at the time cried and mourned as their hopes of rehabilitating and reopening the historic structure were reduced to ashes.
    Kyle Martin, Mercury News, 13 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Key Takeaways Drinking carrot and ginger juice daily may improve digestion, immunity, skin health, and heart function.
    Sohaib Imtiaz, Verywell Health, 14 Oct. 2025
  • The pose can help improve your circulation, which can decrease swelling and inflammation, Robert Saper, an integrative medicine physician at the Cleveland Clinic, told the hospital’s blog in 2021.
    Megan Sauer, CNBC, 14 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The delay follows a month of deliberations after the city council suspended the ordinance to amend it to remove diversity, equity and inclusion language.
    Fousia Abdullahi, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 Oct. 2025
  • It was later amended to include more than 30 federal agencies.
    Andrea Hsu, NPR, 15 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • But if city officials like it as is, a plan amendment could be considered.
    Erik S. Hanley, jsonline.com, 13 Oct. 2025
  • Before grabbing a host of amendments at the nursery, however, do a soil test through your local extension service to see what your garden actually needs.
    Miranda Crowell, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
    Ryley Amond, CNBC, 14 Oct. 2025
  • Here’s how to claim your lottery prize All Michigan Lottery retailers can redeem prizes up to $600.
    Detroit Free Press Staff, Freep.com, 14 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Studies that compare genetic variation between pairs of siblings have been able to better control for socioeconomic backgrounds, as well as parenting practices and ethnicities; in these studies, the direct effects of DNA on IQ look even smaller, still with no hint of a biological mechanism.
    Eric Turkheimer, The Atlantic, 13 Oct. 2025
  • Meanwhile, majorities said the Republican president has definitely or probably not improved the functioning of government (59%) or bettered the nation’s standing on the world stage (60%).
    Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 9 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • This story has been updated to correct the number of previous lawsuits settled over Monon South Trail.
    Keely Doll, Louisville Courier Journal, 15 Oct. 2025
  • In fact, based on recent policy shifts, there is good reason to believe the administration will soon correct course.
    Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Time, 15 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The slight downward revision from what the administration had provided last Friday included the disclosure that roughly 800 employees within the Department of Health and Human Services were erroneously issued layoff notices.
    NPR, NPR, 17 Oct. 2025
  • Investors’ inability to trust official numbers — as a result of data falsifications and severe revisions — was a factor contributing to the Greek debt crisis in the early 2010s, which required multiple international bailouts and years of punishing economic reforms.
    J.D. Capelouto, semafor.com, 16 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Reform.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reform. Accessed 20 Oct. 2025.

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