adjust

verb

ad·​just ə-ˈjəst How to pronounce adjust (audio)
adjusted; adjusting; adjusts

transitive verb

1
a
: 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
adjustability noun
adjustable adjective
adjustive adjective
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.

businesses accommodating themselves to the new political reality

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. See More
Recent Examples on the Web According to our writer Jaina Grey, during testing the straps were easy to manage and adjust, were unobtrusive, and keep out of the way. Scott Gilbertson, WIRED, 25 Nov. 2023 Economic data is often seasonally adjusted, meaning the numbers are smoothed out so that trends over time are more visible without the noise of seasonal cycles. Ella Koeze, New York Times, 22 Nov. 2023 The rotating bindings are also easy to adjust for quick on and off, and a flexible forefoot combined with a thicker heel strap keep the fit secure. Rena Behar, Travel + Leisure, 22 Nov. 2023 Fathers who have more access to paternity leave are better able to adjust to parenthood and are better co-parents, according to a growing body of neuroscience research. Trey Williams, Fortune, 21 Nov. 2023 The steering wheels are covered in multifunction dials and buttons, which allow a driver to adjust things like brake balance, the amount of regen braking, how the rear differential locks, and more. Jonathan M. Gitlin, Ars Technica, 21 Nov. 2023 The half-zip sweatshirt adjusts to your liking, while the tracksuit keeps you warm. Poppy Morgan, Rolling Stone, 21 Nov. 2023 In response, Meta adjusts its algorithm to gauge user engagement probabilities, expanding your reach but diluting the conversion funnel, resulting in a less responsive and cooler user base. Aleks Farseev, Forbes, 13 Nov. 2023 But a brain with the right learning algorithm might adjust the weights among its neurons to favor sensible combinations over incoherent ones. Joshua Rothman, The New Yorker, 13 Nov. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'adjust.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French ajuster (earlier and Middle French also spelled adjuster), going back to Old French ajouster "to make comply with," from a- (going back to Latin ad- ad-) + -jouster, verbal derivative of juste "right, exact" — more at just entry 1

First Known Use

1611, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of adjust was in 1611

Dictionary Entries Near adjust

Cite this Entry

“Adjust.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/adjust. Accessed 1 Dec. 2023.

Kids Definition

adjust

verb
ad·​just ə-ˈjəst How to pronounce adjust (audio)
1
: to bring to a better state : set right
adjust conflicts
adjust the error
2
: to move the parts of an instrument or a piece of machinery until they fit together in the best working order
adjust a watch
adjust the brakes on a car
3
: to determine the amount of an insurance claim
4
: to adapt oneself to conditions
had trouble adjusting to the new job
adjustable adjective
adjuster noun
also adjustor
-ˈjəs-tər

Medical Definition

adjust

transitive verb
ad·​just ə-ˈjəst How to pronounce adjust (audio)
: to bring about orientation or adaptation of (oneself)

intransitive verb

1
: 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
adjustability noun
plural adjustabilities
adjustable adjective
adjustive adjective

Legal Definition

adjust

transitive verb
ad·​just
1
a
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on adjust

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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