reconcile

verb

rec·on·cile | \ ˈre-kən-ˌsī(-ə)l

reconciled; reconciling

Definition of reconcile

transitive verb

1a : to restore to friendship or harmony reconciled the factions

b : settle, resolve reconcile differences

2 : to make consistent or congruous reconcile an ideal with reality

3 : to cause to submit to or accept something unpleasant was reconciled to hardship

4a : to check (a financial account) against another for accuracy

b : to account for

intransitive verb

: to become reconciled

Other Words from reconcile Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about reconcile

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Other Words from reconcile

reconcilability \ ˌre-kən-ˌsī-lə-ˈbi-lə-tē

\ noun

reconcilable \ ˌre-kən-ˈsī-lə-bəl

, ˈre-kən-ˌsī- \ adjective

reconcilement \ ˈre-kən-ˌsī(-ə)l-mənt

\ noun

reconciler noun

Choose the Right Synonym for reconcile

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 reconcile in a Sentence

She and Eddie had separated and reconciled so many times the children had lost track of whose clothes were where. — John Grisham, The Chamber, 1995 He thought they might reconcile the Parisians to his daring design by reminding them of the familiar arches of their bridges. — Mario Salvadori, Why Buildings Stand Up, 1990 By exposing the comic-pathetic quality of the human condition, it temporarily reconciles us to that condition without creating in us complacence, lethargy, or any negative emotion. — Clifton Fadiman, Center Magazine, January-February 1971 It is a function of architecture to reconcile technology with human cussedness, to make the mechanics of life endurable … — Russell Lynes, Harper's, October 1968 It can be difficult to reconcile your ideals with reality. historians have never been able to reconcile the two eyewitness accounts of the battle

Recent Examples on the Web

Laura Pitter, a national security counsel at Human Rights Watch, called Haspel’s confirmation ‘‘the predictable and perverse byproduct’’ of the United States’ failure to reconcile with past abuses. — Shane Harris And Karoun Demirjian, BostonGlobe.com, "Gina Haspel confirmed as CIA chief despite scrutiny of her role in interrogation program," 18 May 2018 But in Trump’s highly unorthodox White House, there doesn’t seem to be any effort to reconcile the president’s view of Russia with that of his advisers. — Zack Beauchamp, Vox, "Trump’s Russia policy is an incoherent mess," 2 Apr. 2018 But the inter-Korean effort to reconcile sparked after Kim expressed his willingness to improve ties and send a delegation to the Olympics in a New Year's speech. — Amy Lieu, Fox News, "North Korean pop star tours Olympic venues in South," 20 Jan. 2018 There’s something for everyone here, whether you’re recently scorned, hoping to reconcile, or dedicating yourself to Botox. — Vogue, "These Are the Best Anti–Valentine’s Day Movies to Make You Very Glad You’re Single," 12 Feb. 2019 They had been separated but were reconciling, the news station reported. — Chelsea Prince, ajc, "Officials ID man found strangled inside burning northwest Atlanta home," 11 July 2018 The chambers must now reconcile the differences between the two versions. — Matt Stout And Jamie Halper, BostonGlobe.com, "Lawmakers move on raising tobacco age, IDs for homeless," 29 June 2018 Some in Merkel’s Christian Democratic Union never really reconciled themselves with a party leader who broke the mold as both the first woman chancellor and the first from the former communist East. — Alan Crawford, Bloomberg.com, "As Merkel’s Power Drains, the Threat to Europe Grows," 27 June 2018 Not all those who are assigned or volunteer to staff a camp can reconcile its aims with its methods. — San Francisco Chronicle, "A Retreat’s Risky Lessons," 14 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'reconcile.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Last Updated

17 May 2019

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The first known use of reconcile was in the 14th century

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More Definitions for reconcile

reconcile

verb

English Language Learners Definition of reconcile

formal

: to find a way of making (two different ideas, facts, etc.) exist or be true at the same time

: to cause people or groups to become friendly again after an argument or disagreement

See the full definition for reconcile in the English Language Learners Dictionary

reconcile

verb

rec·on·cile | \ ˈre-kən-ˌsīl

reconciled; reconciling

Kids Definition of reconcile

1 : to make friendly again She helped to reconcile friends who had been quarreling.

2 : to settle by agreement : adjust You'll have to reconcile your differences.

3 : to make agree His story cannot be reconciled with the facts.

4 : to cause to give in or accept I reconciled myself to the loss.

reconcile

verb

rec·on·cile | \ ˈre-kən-ˌsīl

reconciled; reconciling

Legal Definition of reconcile

transitive verb

1a : to restore to harmony reconciled the parties reconciled the marriage

b : to bring to resolution reconcile differences

2a : to check (a financial account) against another for accuracy

b : to account for

intransitive verb

: to become reconciled specifically : to voluntarily resume cohabitation as spouses prior to a divorce becoming final with the mutual intention of remaining together and reestablishing a harmonious relationship denied the complaint for divorce because the parties had reconciled

Other Words from reconcile

reconcilability \ ˌre-kən-ˌsī-lə-ˈbi-lə-tē

\ noun

reconcilable \ ˌre-kən-ˈsī-lə-bəl

\ adjective

reconcilement noun

reconciliation \ ˌre-kən-ˌsi-lē-ˈā-shən

\ noun

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