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

Each image recalibrates what feels worthy of my grief. —Reem Kassis, The Atlantic, 11 Oct. 2025

But last season’s disappointment is forcing them to recalibrate their priorities. —Peter Baugh, New York Times, 11 Oct. 2025

When the past does indeed come knocking on Bob’s door, flushing him out of his home with shock troops and smoke grenades, Bob is forced to violently recalibrate his relationship to the present. —David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 10 Oct. 2025

This is an excuse to recalibrate – not a delay – as the moon enters Gemini. —Usa Today, USA Today, 10 Oct. 2025

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