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
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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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A 70-year-old man, who spent 50 years cultivating an image and personality, isn't going to adjust it, even while occupying the Oval Office.
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That means the U.S. could stay in the accord and choose not to hit its goals or stay in the pact but adjust its targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
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Motorists are asked to consider using alternate routes, adjust arrival/departure times, observe work zone speed limits and other work zone signs, and use extreme caution in this area.
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The Commerce Department reported earlier this month that retail sales were up April, but many retailers reported first-quarter earnings that showed challenges adjusting to the dramatic shift among shoppers to online spending.
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The world's largest retailer is betting on essentials like fresh produce, and has adjusted its shipping strategy to better compete with Amazon's Prime program.
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The country’s political leaders are scheduled to gather in late autumn in Beijing for a Communist Party Congress, an event held only once every five years to review and to some extent adjust the party’s leadership.
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Granowitz suggested the city create a formula to determine availability of street parking in each neighborhood and adjust the granny flat parking requirement accordingly.
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But after big setbacks last year, the firms are adjusting to be a little more Wall Street and a little less Silicon Valley.
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
First Known Use: 15th century
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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