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 In fact, Henson has adjusted rather quickly to the rhythms and the rigors of performing live. Juliana Ukiomogbe, Vogue, 24 Apr. 2026 The Air Rower delivers a powerful combination of cardio and strength training, dynamically adjusting to your effort while tracking speed, distance, time and calories. Tory Johnson, ABC News, 24 Apr. 2026 Filming is continuing, with the schedule adjusted to focus on the rest of the cast and accomodate the time needed for White to do rewrites and for HBO to get a new actress on board. Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 24 Apr. 2026 Yet the fortune generated by Silicon Valley in the past few decades has exceeded the value of all the gold discovered during the first California boom 200 times over, even adjusted for inflation. Theo Baker, The Atlantic, 24 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for adjust
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adjust
Verb
  • Although the study focused on dysprosium, the researchers believe the technique can be adapted to detect other rare-earth elements such as terbium, europium, erbium, and neodymium.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 19 Apr. 2026
  • Spaces like the kitchen—once divided into separate rooms for staff—were opened up, while outdoor areas were adapted for entertaining, including the addition of a large pool and gathering spaces.
    Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 19 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • This ensures the thresholds are tailored not only to each facility but also to the most at-risk processes and areas within it.
    Jasmin Malik Chua, Footwear News, 22 Apr. 2026
  • Pacheco pointed to the importance of tailoring applications to meet employer expectations from the outset.
    Alyssa Ferro-Lloret, Miami Herald, 21 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Business owners, religious believers and now licensed professionals have faced mounting pressure to conform to a particular ideological framework or face penalties.
    Jeffrey S. Trimbath, Baltimore Sun, 20 Apr. 2026
  • Never one to conform to tradition, Diana selected the ring anyway, setting the tone for her own unique approach to royal life.
    Kelsey Lentz, PEOPLE, 19 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The noise levels in the arena reached epic proportions as the Hawks put the clamps on the Knicks.
    Lauren Williams, AJC.com, 24 Apr. 2026
  • Coulombe struck out Austin Wells for the second out, but from there Cora gave the ball to righty Greg Weissert, who allowed the go-ahead two-run pinch hit single to Cody Bellinger and then another RBI single to Judge to put New York ahead 4-2.
    Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 24 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Transferring them into a coordinated set of vessels — glass, ceramic or matte white, whatever suits your taste — turns the everyday into something that looks intentional.
    Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Charlotte Observer, 20 Apr. 2026
  • Reached by a removable ladder, this could be used as a smaller bedroom, though doesn't include an egress window which is legally required for a bedroom, so would probably be best suited as a storage area.
    Adam Williams April 19, New Atlas, 19 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Adjust.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adjust. Accessed 27 Apr. 2026.

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