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 a last-minute move, city officials adjusted the plan’s four priority projects to replace one in Mission Beach with the project at Tourmaline, which is on the border between Pacific Beach and La Jolla. David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Sep. 2025 The first lady, said Barrett, struggled with the decision to move away from her home in Massachusetts and adjust to being in the public eye. Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Oc Register, 10 Sep. 2025 Regarding the digestive side effects, the doctor said the medications do slow down the GI tract, but it's been shown that the body adjusts to that over time. Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 10 Sep. 2025 While on site, adjust your path to coordinate with feeding times and notice the many art installations, many of which look like real animals, so be on the lookout. Jennifer Prince, Southern Living, 10 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for adjust
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adjust
Verb
  • The story was also adapted as a Gene Barry feature film in 1958 and Tom Cruise’s version directed by Steven Spielberg in 2005.
    Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2025
  • Teammates have lauded both his skill set and ability to quickly adapt to coach Kyle Shanahan’s system as well as his presence in the locker room.
    Jerry McDonald, Mercury News, 13 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • That includes a subdivision map dividing the property into six lots and a request to replace the current zoning with a custom zoning plan tailored to The Village.
    Mona Darwish, Oc Register, 13 Sep. 2025
  • These meal plans are made with human-grade ingredients and tailored to your pup’s unique dietary needs and preferences.
    Kasey Caminiti, USA Today, 12 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Women are gaining ground not by conforming to traditional leadership norms but by reshaping them.
    Roger Sands, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
  • The memory foam conforms to your head to relieve pressure, and the cooling case helps with temperature.
    Nora Colomer may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom., FOXNews.com, 11 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • But Karl Maybach’s greatest contribution to the wonders of European civilization were his enormously powerful diesel engines that gave birth to the very first high-speed trains of Europe, emphatically putting steam trains out of business.
    Mark Ewing, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2025
  • Studies put misread rates between 10% and 35%, depending on conditions.
    Jennifer Jolly, USA Today, 14 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Available in a few different wood tones, upholstery colors, and with or without storage drawers, this bed frame can easily suit a number of design styles and aesthetics.
    Erika Owen, Architectural Digest, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Soldiers can select modular components suited to their mission.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 10 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Adjust.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adjust. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on adjust

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