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 There are ways to reduce the nation's overall power bill, by adjusting when and where electricity is consumed. Scott Horsley, NPR, 6 Nov. 2025 To maintain precision, KIMM developed a reinforcement learning algorithm that continuously adjusts the nozzle’s aiming angle using six degrees of freedom acceleration data to compensate for wave and hull movement. Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 6 Nov. 2025 As part of the reopening, UPS has adjusted the timelines for shipments scheduled for delivery via air Thursday. Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 6 Nov. 2025 Kirwin said Earle-Sears’s message never adjusted. Samantha-Jo Roth, The Washington Examiner, 6 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for adjust
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adjust
Verb
  • Air travelers came and went mostly without trouble at Denver International Airport on Friday, expressing gratitude for federal air traffic controllers working without pay, ready to adapt as flight reductions ordered by the Federal Aviation Administration kicked in.
    Bruce Finley, Denver Post, 8 Nov. 2025
  • An ever-adapting fusion of flesh and technology, the Borg are a hostile force that seeks not just to eradicate humanity, but to enslave it, forcibly eradicating the sense of self and folding its victims into a homogenous hive mind.
    Alan Bradley, Space.com, 8 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • As such, Gilligan is tailoring his approach to discussing the ins-and-outs of the series, making sure to avoid excess theorizing to let the show take on an independent life of its own.
    Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 8 Nov. 2025
  • This local knowledge ensures treatments aren’t one-size-fits-all but tailored to the unique challenges of each community.
    Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 7 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Add a breast cancer diagnosis—with its potential surgeries, scars and treatment side effects—and the pressure to conform to outdated beauty standards can feel disheartening.
    Tabitha Britt, Flow Space, 30 Oct. 2025
  • That was a clear issue in New Hampshire, which was unable to change its date to conform to the DNC’s 2024 calendar amid resistance from top Republican leaders in the state.
    Caroline Vakil, The Hill, 27 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Johnson’s 55-yard TD run in the third quarter put MidAmerica Nazarene up 31-0.
    The Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 9 Nov. 2025
  • Younger consumers are, as Veblen might put it, performing taste with efficiency.
    Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 9 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • His keen playful writing combines magical realism, genre-busting humor, literary zip—and there are few people better suited to adapting Wilder than Ethan Lipton.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 7 Nov. 2025
  • Limón is known for having some of the country’s best beaches, with a spot to suit every beachgoer’s preferences.
    Lydia Price, Travel + Leisure, 6 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Adjust.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adjust. Accessed 12 Nov. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on adjust

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