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
Meanwhile, Cantwell is slated to speak in greater detail about the SAFE Act on Thursday morning at a panel hosted by the Knight Commission, the college sports reform group. Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 7 Oct. 2025 But the councilors did have to reduce funding for some agencies and raise permitting fees for building homes and businesses to help plug a $43 million revenue hole caused in part by Senate Enrolled Act 1, the statewide tax reform plan passed by Indiana Republicans. Jordan Smith, IndyStar, 7 Oct. 2025
Noun
Takaichi, a more far-right pick for the typically center-conservative party, takes charge amid growing calls for the party to reform itself as Japanese voters have increasingly gravitated toward right-wing political movements. Chad De Guzman, Time, 4 Oct. 2025 In a letter submitted to the judge on Thursday, Combs apologized for his actions and argued he was reformed in prison, becoming sober for the first time. Aaron Katersky, ABC News, 3 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for reform
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reform
Verb
  • Although that’s going to be contentious because Hamas is going to try to get involved in that process in order to rehabilitate its image.
    Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 6 Oct. 2025
  • But nobody could figure out that he couldn’t be rehabilitated?
    Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, FOXNews.com, 5 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • As Gabriel improves and the rapport builds, Bond could turn into a fantasy WR4 given his ability.
    Jake Ciely, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Now is the time to improve your home’s ability to withstand hurricanes.
    Gabe Hauari, USA Today, 7 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • In the past two decades, nearly two dozen mostly red states have amended their safe-haven laws, which allow people to anonymously give up their infants for adoption through face-to-face surrenders at hospitals and fire stations, to also permit people to surrender babies in these boxes.
    Alana Semuels, Time, 8 Oct. 2025
  • In addition, information related to wait times in September has been amended to clarify its weight as a data point.
    Natasha Chen, CNN Money, 8 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Under the Kigali amendment ratified in 2016, the US committed to reduce hydrofluorocarbons by about 85% before 2036, and HFA inhalers are among the hydrofluorocarbons that will probably be phased down.
    Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 6 Oct. 2025
  • Legal scholars say the administration's interpretation is countered by the amendment's history and subsequent Supreme Court rulings.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 5 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Redeeming Atmos points The most valuable way to redeem Atmos points is to book award flights with Alaska and its partners.
    David McMillin, CNBC, 8 Oct. 2025
  • Win your first $10 bet when using the BetMGM bonus code WEEK150 in NJ, PA, MI and WV to redeem a $150 bonus.
    Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Still, from the back end of the secondary, Byard, the 10th-year safety and team captain, appreciated a player investing daily to better himself.
    Dan Wiederer, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
  • But throughout each phase of photography, Petsch imposed her will in order to better the product on the screen.
    Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 24 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • In 2023, the two-time Super Bowl champion missed Pac-12 media day to address a blood clot in his right leg and another surgery to correct curved toes on his left foot.
    Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 8 Oct. 2025
  • The Yankees had mostly corrected their poor fundamental mistakes since the trade deadline, but in the most important game of the season, several miscues helped put New York in a deep early deficit.
    Brendan Kuty, New York Times, 8 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • In addition to the cut-through traffic prohibitions for trucks on residential streets, city staff will work with the City Council on ordinance revisions to strengthen penalties on truck operators and owners who do not comply with signs and restrictions.
    Keith Matheny, Freep.com, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Michael Russell Gunn penned the script, with previous revisions by Erin Cressida Wilson and Amy Herzog.
    Justin Kroll, Deadline, 3 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Reform.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reform. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.

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