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 When veteran producers Robert Chartoff and Irwin Winkler offer him a check for $300,000, around $2 million today when adjusted for inflation, the young dreamer says no. — Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 26 Sep. 2026 Take some time to read through the manufacturer’s instructions before starting to adjust based on the cut of meat. — Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 26 Sep. 2026 The Spanish technology uses a series of mechanical modules to push water and generate waves that can be adjusted for different surfing abilities. — Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 25 Sep. 2026 It can be used as an alarm to wake your kids up in the morning, as well as a gradual sunrise or sunset lamp that gradually adjusts brightness. — George Yang, PC Magazine, 25 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for adjust
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adjust
Verb
  • Linear Television is Not Dead The third panel explored how broadcasters and platforms are adapting to a rapidly changing audiovisual landscape.
    — Anna Marie de la Fuente, Variety, 21 Sep. 2026
  • Even when the effects are more subtle, the relationship between genome and transposon seems to sometimes go deeper than that of a host adapting to an invading, self-interested genetic force.
    — Jake Buehler, Quanta Magazine, 21 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • This multi-material capability gives greater design flexibility to tailor the performance, versatility, and shape of complex components.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 22 Sep. 2026
  • American chains trade on their brand names and signature products, but many tailor their menus to appeal to Chinese customers.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 20 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • The world, to his way of thinking, must conform to our concepts.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 21 Sep. 2026
  • King seemed stunned that an actual Black person had views that did not conform to her preconception of what a Black man should think.
    — Chris Roemer, Baltimore Sun, 19 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • The pope, who has made sounding the alarm about the risks of AI a central part of his 16-month papacy, put the issue at the heart of his visit to France.
    — Joshua McElwee, Arkansas Online, 26 Sep. 2026
  • The event features 36 holes of stroke play Saturday and Sunday, and then takes the top 64 and puts them in a single elimination match-play bracket that begins on Monday and ends with a 36-hole championship match on Thursday.
    — Kels Dayton, Hartford Courant, 26 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Hybrid systems combine quantum processors with conventional computers, assigning different parts of a workload to the hardware best suited to perform them.
    — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 22 Sep. 2026
  • Whole-milk versions carry more saturated fat, while lower-fat options may suit some diets better.
    — Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 22 Sep. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Adjust.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adjust. Accessed 29 Sep. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

More from Merriam-Webster