Definition of adjust
transitive verb
1a : to bring to a more satisfactory state: (1) : settle, resolve ways of adjusting conflicts (2) : rectify adjust an errorb : to make correspondent or conformable : adapt had to adjust our approachc : 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
From the M-W Editors
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 of adjust from the Web
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Care managers work with primary care doctors to quickly adjust patients’ medications or other treatments as needed.
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The commission held in abeyance the decision as to further adjusting the schedule.
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Heat until thermometer registers 275°, adjusting vents on bottom and top of grill or control knobs as needed to maintain temperature.
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Federer uses his ability to read his opponents habits and weaknesses to punish those who are too rigid in their game, unwilling to venture out of a comfort zone and adjust to the demands of the moment.
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But now, CNN's Jim Acosta reported that a Trump aide, J.D. Gordon, told him in an interview that he was directed by the campaign—and Trump directly—to get the language adjusted:
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If MacDonough vetoes certain elements of the Senate bill, they can be removed or adjusted as needed, so there’s no cost to pushing the limits with an aggressive opening bid.
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So, what Walsh did was take the system, the verbiage, the semantics of it and adjust it to very quick passes.
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Those are both decreases under projections of current law, and the spending is also a real decrease in funding when adjusted for medical inflation.
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.
Origin and Etymology of adjust
Middle English ajusten, from Old French ajuster to make conform, from a- (from Latin ad-) + juste right, exact — more at just
Synonym Discussion of adjust
ADJUST Defined for English Language Learners
adjust
playDefinition of adjust for English Language Learners
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: to change (something) in a minor way so that it works better
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: to change the position of (something)
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: to change in order to work or do better in a new situation
ADJUST Defined for Kids
adjust
playDefinition of adjust for Students
adjusted
;adjusting
1 : to change (something) in a minor way to make it work better
2 : to change the position of (something) He adjusted his glasses.
3 : to become used to He adjusted to a new school.
Medical Dictionary
adjust
playMedical Definition of adjust
: to bring about orientation or adaptation of (oneself)
1
intransitive verb
: to adapt oneself (as to climate, food, or new working hours)2: to achieve mental and behavioral balance between one's own needs and the demands of others
Law Dictionary
adjust
Legal Definition of adjust
1a : to determine the amount to be paid under an insurance policy in settlement of (a loss) b : to make new arrangements with creditors for the payment of (the debts of a debtor in bankruptcy)
2 : to calculate in accordance with a system adjusting the basis
Learn More about adjust
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Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for adjust Spanish Central: Translation of adjust Nglish: Translation of adjust for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of adjust for Arabic speakers
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