recalibrate

verb

re·​cal·​i·​brate (ˌ)rē-ˈka-lə-ˌbrāt 

recalibrated; recalibrating; recalibrates

transitive verb

: to calibrate (something) again

… these systems gradually drift off course so that the navigator periodically needs a fresh point of reference to recalibrate the navigation system.

—Stefi Weisburd

The problem is that eating more doesn't sate us; we merely recalibrate how much we think we need.

—Nando Pelusi

recalibration

(ˌ)rē-ˌka-lə-ˈbrā-shən 

noun

plural recalibrations

Literacy standards were in need of constant recalibration, as each new phase of the war could inflate or deflate the value of existing skills, inflate or deflate the effectiveness of existing induction policies and instructional efforts.

—Deborah Brandt

Examples of recalibrate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In fact, Macario’s contract is the product of a league recalibrating its financial rules to keep star talent. —Asli Pelit, New York Times, 1 Apr. 2026

Rather than manufacturing change, Melissa recalibrates, supporting facial balance and skin health in ways intended to remain authentic and sustainable. —William Jones, USA Today, 30 Mar. 2026

What Happens Next The survey’s results suggested Republican strategists and candidates could recalibrate midterm messaging toward economic issues that K Street leaders indicated are more salient to voters, including inflation and jobs. —Dan Gooding, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Mar. 2026

The trip recalibrated his ambitions entirely. —Preston Fore, Fortune, 29 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1883, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for recalibrate

• abbreviate
• accelerate
• accommodate
• accumulate
• acuminate
• adjudicate
• adulterate
• affiliate
• agglomerate
• agglutinate
• alleviate
• amalgamate