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 Listen to your body and adjust your intake accordingly. Christopher Bergland, Verywell Health, 4 Sep. 2025 Two players in California, which adjusts lottery prize amounts based on the number of tickets sold and number of winners, won $984,000 each, the California Lottery said. Don Sweeney, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Sep. 2025 Two players in California, which adjusts lottery prize amounts based on the number of tickets sold and number of winners, won $984,594 each, the California Lottery said. Don Sweeney, Kansas City Star, 4 Sep. 2025 Getting hospital privileges at Wisconsin's various health institutions sometimes requires mental health disclosure, although some organizations, like UW Health, have adjusted their questions to remove these disclosures. Natalie Eilbert, jsonline.com, 26 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for adjust
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adjust
Verb
  • Velasco adapted and transformed the classroom at Dishchii’bikoh Community School to match the curriculum.
    Erick Trevino, AZCentral.com, 7 Sep. 2025
  • These plants are adapted to the specific soils, climate and other local conditions of their region and support the local food web, providing habitat for native wildlife, pollinators and insects.
    Chris McKeown, Cincinnati Enquirer, 6 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Unless otherwise noted, all stats are tailored to redraft, half-PPR, 1-QB leagues, and ADPs are via Fantasy Football Calculator.
    Jacob Robinson, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Long existing in the shadow of bespoke, made-to-measure (or MTM) has been cast as the second-best option for those without the money—or the time—to enjoy tailoring’s ultimate expression.
    Eric Twardzik, Robb Report, 6 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Columbia, Brown, and the University of Pennsylvania have made deals with the Administration to restore their funding, and other universities have conformed to what the Administration seems to want in order to avoid becoming targets themselves.
    Jeannie Suk Gersen, New Yorker, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Courtesy of the artist and Le Random Bauman joined an existing team conformed by CEO thefunnyguys and CFO/COO Zack Taylor, who head the company’s operations and strategic planning.
    Ana María Caballero, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Trailing by 14 points, Charlotte needed a touchdown to get back in the game, and as Albin said, put some heat on the Tar Heels.
    Hunter Bailey, Charlotte Observer, 7 Sep. 2025
  • In the first inning as the Blue Jays wore down the Yankees by putting balls in play and fouling off pitches, Judge was tested for the first time on a single by Nathan Lukes.
    Larry Fleisher, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • This would probably better suit Kalimuendo as a partner to Wood, as Jesus likes to drop slightly deeper from a two-man attack, whereas Kalimuendo is more likely to make runs behind the defence.
    Nick Miller, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2025
  • A lot of these are decorations and home goods that suit the season.
    Katlyn Moncada, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Adjust.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adjust. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on adjust

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