adjust

verb

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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Other Words from adjust

adjustability \ -ˌjəs-tə-ˈbi-lə-tē

\ noun

adjustable \ -ˈjəs-tə-bəl

\ adjective

adjustive \ -ˈjəs-tiv

\ 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. 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

If need be, adjust the range's oven temperature using the instructions in the owner's manual or using a repair manual for the appliance. — Roy Berendsohn, Popular Mechanics, "15 Things to Do Around the House Before the Holidays," 16 Nov. 2018 Some thermostats even watch and learn your rhythms and adjust the temperature on their own. — Tony Bizjak, The Seattle Times, "10 hot home innovations — from dog showers to doorbell cams," 26 Oct. 2018 The startup is aiming to do smart thermostats one better by installing sensor-laden vents into homes that can track and adjust temperature, monitor air quality, and use predictive analytics to anticipate a homeowner’s temperature preferences. — Liz Stinson, Curbed, "New startup gives the HVAC system a smart upgrade," 14 Sep. 2018 However, what if your bed does that itself? Sleep Number's 360 smart mattresses can track your nightly sleeping patterns, make adjustments to their firmness and can adjust their temperatures. — Fox News, "10 smart devices you never knew about before now," 12 Sep. 2018 Pickup Truck Template Turn an oblong pumpkin on its side then trace this pickup truck template—download and adjust size as needed. — Country Living Staff, Country Living, "40+ Halloween Templates for Your Craftiest October Yet," 5 Sep. 2018 Photo: Edgar Su/Reuters Flight attendants now adjust cabin temperature to facilitate sleep, too. — Scott Mccartney, WSJ, "The Science Behind the World’s Longest Flights," 15 Aug. 2018 The buildability allows you to adjust coverage as needed, and its lightweight formulation will let your skin breathe even in the muggiest climates. — Wendy Gould, Allure, "The 9 Best Powder Foundations to Thwart Summer Sweat," 3 July 2018 The inflation auto-adjusts to maintain your setting. — The Good Housekeeping Institute, Good Housekeeping, "GH Seal Spotlight: Sleep Number 360 P6 Smart Bed," 5 Apr. 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.