reconciles; reconciled; reconciling
formal
1
: to find a way of making (two different ideas, facts, etc.) exist or be true at the same time
I'm afraid her story cannot be reconciled with the proven facts. [=her story must be false because it does not agree with the proven facts]
You'll need to reconcile [=settle] your differences with her.
It can be difficult to reconcile your ideals with reality.
2
: to cause people or groups to become friendly again after an argument or disagreement
His attempt to reconcile his friends (with each other) was unsuccessful.
—often used as (be) reconciledAfter many years, they are finally reconciled (with each other). [=they are friendly again]
We will never reconcile.
After many years, they finally reconciled (with each other).
Cite this Entry
“Reconcile.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/reconcile. Accessed 24 Jun. 2026.
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