Synonym Chooser

How does the verb reconcile contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of reconcile are accommodate, adapt, adjust, and conform. While all these words mean "to bring one thing into correspondence with another," 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

When might accommodate be a better fit than reconcile?

The words accommodate and reconcile can be used in similar contexts, but accommodate may suggest yielding or compromising to effect a correspondence.

accommodated his political beliefs in order to win

When could adapt be used to replace reconcile?

Although the words adapt and reconcile have much in common, adapt implies a modification according to changing circumstances.

adapted themselves to the warmer climate

When can adjust be used instead of reconcile?

While in some cases nearly identical to reconcile, 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

In what contexts can conform take the place of reconcile?

While the synonyms conform and reconcile are close in meaning, conform applies to bringing into accordance with a pattern, example, or principle.

refused to conform to society's values

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of reconcile Karen, the literal rocket scientist in the Wilson family, is obviously Hen’s first choice, but her wife simply can’t reconcile her own serious science career with Tripp’s deeply unserious approach. Andy Swift, TVLine, 9 Oct. 2025 Although Smith clarified that his remarks were about James and not Bronny, the incident was never fully reconciled. Cole Sullivan, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Oct. 2025 And at many universities the process through which differences in institutional values are surfaced and reconciled is unclear, especially as AI initiatives have often sidestepped democratic faculty governance. Chris Wegemer, The Conversation, 8 Oct. 2025 The pair were married in 2009, separated in 2010 before reconciling for a time in 2011. Victoria Uwumarogie, Essence, 8 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for reconcile
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reconcile
Verb
  • But at the heart of this challenge lies the question of how best to coordinate global search efforts for people who don’t want to be found.
    Danny Makki, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
  • The protests are all loosely coordinated, happening almost organically online rather than organized and promoted by traditional activist groups or political institutions.
    Elizabeth Shackelford, Twin Cities, 16 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The results come at a time when thousands of schools are opting to integrate financial skills into their curriculum, while at the same time, reading levels among students have hit all time lows.
    Elisabeth Sherman, Parents, 14 Oct. 2025
  • Beyond employment, Wilson Administration officials re-segregated bathrooms, lunchrooms, and workspaces in federal buildings that had been integrated since the end of the Civil War.
    Time, Time, 14 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Current Increment 1 systems from Leonardo DRS and General Dynamics Land Systems already combine Stinger missiles and 30mm cannons on Stryker vehicles.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 21 Oct. 2025
  • Today, the Salon des Nouveaux Ensembliers aims to be a contemporary equivalent, bringing together designers and more than 150 artisans to combine tradition and sustainable innovation.
    Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 20 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • According to Edwards, Brooke deliberately portrayed Arabella as struggling to adapt to her new home and her Canadian identity.
    JSTOR Daily, JSTOR Daily, 18 Oct. 2025
  • The research team also revealed that the robots can change their shape and gait to adapt to different terrains or to perform a variety of functions, such as gripping and lifting objects.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 18 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The bad news is that there are already murmurs in Brussels about piecemeal, incremental measures – harmonizing certain national laws, creating yet another framework for EU member states to fuss over and interpret.
    Jan Hammer, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2025
  • The group’s members harmonize well, and each can carry a song on her own.
    Hanif Abdurraqib, New Yorker, 18 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Hank and John sold it for an undisclosed amount in 2018 to Viacom (which later merged with Paramount).
    Preston Fore, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2025
  • That's how Fitzpatrick and Eckley merged their divergent styles.
    Miranda Crowell, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • By aligning with both the NBA and Cotton Incorporated, Revolve is working to strengthen its connection with consumers through experiential and purpose-driven initiatives that bridge culture, fashion and community engagement.
    Andre Claudio, Footwear News, 17 Oct. 2025
  • When structured well, private debt aligns incentives, not undermines them.
    Dave Smith, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • So why doesn’t Logano just conform to the more pessimistic outlook instead of trying to infuse others with brightness?
    Jeff Gluck, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025
  • In 2025, the conforming loan limit for a single-family home is $1,209,750.
    Kelsey Neubauer, CNBC, 13 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Reconcile.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reconcile. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on reconcile

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!