adjust

verb

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ad·just | \ ə-ˈjəst

adjusted; adjusting; adjusts

Definition of adjust

transitive verb

1a : to bring to a more satisfactory state:

(1) : settle, resolve ways of adjusting conflicts

(2) : rectify adjust an error

b : to make correspondent or conformable : adapt had to adjust our approach

c : to bring the parts of to a true or more effective relative position adjust a carburetor

2 : to reduce to a system : regulate

3 : to determine the amount to be paid under an insurance policy in settlement of (a loss)

intransitive verb

1 : to adapt or conform oneself (as to new conditions) adjust to the new regulations Our eyes gradually adjusted to the darkness.

2 : to achieve mental and behavioral balance between one's own needs and the demands of others

Other Words from adjust Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about adjust

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Choose the Right Synonym for adjust

adapt, adjust, accommodate, conform, reconcile mean to bring one thing into correspondence with another. adapt implies a modification according to changing circumstances. adapted themselves to the warmer climate adjust suggests bringing into a close and exact correspondence or harmony such as exists between parts of a mechanism. adjusted the budget to allow for inflation accommodate may suggest yielding or compromising to effect a correspondence. accommodated his political beliefs in order to win conform applies to bringing into accordance with a pattern, example, or principle. refused to conform to society's values reconcile implies the demonstration of the underlying compatibility of things that seem to be incompatible. tried to reconcile what he said with what I knew

Examples of adjust in a Sentence

The car is easier to drive since the clutch was adjusted. I adjusted the volume on the radio. She adjusted the car seat so she could reach the pedals. Going to a new school can be difficult, but the kids will eventually adjust. It's hard to adjust myself to the idea that she's gone. He makes less money now, when you adjust for inflation, than he did 10 years ago.

Recent Examples on the Web In addition, these bluetooth headphones are Alexa-enabled for easy voice controls and also have easy touch controls to take calls, skip tracks, and adjust volume. — Paige Szmodis, Popular Mechanics, "Sony’s Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones Are Over $70 off Now," 8 Nov. 2019 Using a spatula, turn each meatball and continue to cook, adjusting the heat as needed and occasionally turning the meatballs, until golden brown all over, 4 to 5 minutes. — BostonGlobe.com, "Cashew-Coconut Meatballs with Creamy Spiced Tomato Sauce," 7 Nov. 2019 Alaska has calculated its seasonally adjusted unemployment rate back to 1976. — Alex Demarban, Anchorage Daily News, "What record-low unemployment numbers really mean for Alaska," 1 Nov. 2019 Coaching Defensive coordinator Robert Saleh might have been out-adjusted in the second half when the Cardinals went to a hurry-up attack and scored 18 points. — Michael Lerseth, SFChronicle.com, "49ers’ game grades vs. Cardinals: Yes, they have a potent passing game," 31 Oct. 2019 When the Thunder adjusted their defense to stop him — sending waves of bodies and double-teams his way — Lillard simply found open teammates, collecting four assists over the final 4:57. — Joe Freeman, oregonlive, "Portland Trail Blazers emboldened by early-season ‘fight’ and ‘character’," 31 Oct. 2019 It was first enacted by the federal government as a way to save coal (by adjusting clocks to accommodate for more daytime, thus needing less energy for light) during World War I in the spring of 1918, and was only meant to exist during wartime. — People Staff, PEOPLE.com, "When is Daylight Saving Time 2019? Everything You Need to Know to 'Fall Back'," 30 Oct. 2019 That means adjusting hatchery outputs, rather than banning all hatcheries; altering dam flows by degrees to favor salmon, rather than demolishing all of the dams themselves. — Patrick Symmes, Harper's magazine, "The $68,000 Fish," 28 Oct. 2019 Jordan Yates, Powhatan’s activities coordinator, said the facility has a geriatric psychiatrist who talks to residents and adjusts their medication dosages. — Lauren Lumpkin, The Denver Post, "With virtual reality, woman helps nursing-home residents see the world without leaving home," 27 Oct. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'adjust.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.