Definition of adjustnext

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb adjust contrast with its synonyms?

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

When would accommodate be a good substitute for adjust?

The synonyms accommodate and adjust are sometimes interchangeable, but accommodate may suggest yielding or compromising to effect a correspondence.

accommodated his political beliefs in order to win

In what contexts can adapt take the place of adjust?

In some situations, the words adapt and adjust are roughly equivalent. However, adapt implies a modification according to changing circumstances.

adapted themselves to the warmer climate

When could conform be used to replace adjust?

The words conform and adjust are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, conform applies to bringing into accordance with a pattern, example, or principle.

refused to conform to society's values

When is it sensible to use reconcile instead of adjust?

The meanings of reconcile and adjust largely overlap; however, 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

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 adjust As the nurturing Moon moves into your sign, your 1st House of Identity spotlights body wisdom, so give yourself room to adjust routines without perfection. Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 19 June 2026 That feedback allowed the robot to adjust its cutting motion before driving the blade too deeply into the board. Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 19 June 2026 Instead, find a comfortable spot with a wide view of the sky and let your eyes adjust to the darkness for at least 20 minutes. Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 19 June 2026 Parades, like everything else, have adjusted to the digital age. Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 18 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for adjust
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adjust
Verb
  • Britain has increasingly toughened its approach to tech companies in recent years, urging or forcing them to impose age verification, adapt their algorithms and, most recently, prevent children from circulating nude images taken on mobile phones.
    Reuters, CNN Money, 15 June 2026
  • The needs of religious consumers were changing, and church leaders scrambled to adapt.
    Michael Luo, New Yorker, 14 June 2026
Verb
  • The program includes Missoni and tailoring atelier Saman Amel trunk shows, and multi-brand personal shopping experiences.
    Joe Bobowicz, Vogue, 18 June 2026
  • Readers should not rely solely on the content of this article and are encouraged to seek professional advice tailored to their specific circumstances.
    Will Jones, Charlotte Observer, 17 June 2026
Verb
  • Related Stories Yip, reflecting on a career spanning 45 years, spoke about the pressure to conform to industry expectations early on.
    Marcus Lim, Variety, 15 June 2026
  • Union experts are still studying the documents, which do not conform to Italian standards, and could not verify their origins.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 13 June 2026
Verb
  • Lola Vice will put her NXT Women’s Championship on the line against Kendal Grey, Myles Borne will defend the NXT North American Championship against Tavion Heights, Wren Sinclair will face a challenger for the WWE Women’s Speed Championship and Saquon Shugars takes on Dion Lennox.
    Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 19 June 2026
  • Earlier, a pair of Harry Kane goals — his ninth and 10th at World Cups — had twice put England ahead, only for some sloppy defending and smart attacking play to give Croatia a route back.
    Andrew Greif, NBC news, 19 June 2026
Verb
  • If poor flowering persists year after year, consider planting a different variety of tomatoes that better suits your climate.
    Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 16 June 2026
  • Start small and visible, choosing one brave share or playful demo, because steady, kind action suits your energetic stride today.
    Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 16 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Adjust.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adjust. Accessed 22 Jun. 2026.

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