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 The law requires the state to add a minimum of $350 million in new funding to the formula each year — but that figure isn’t adjusted for inflation. Kate Armanini, Chicago Tribune, 1 Aug. 2026 And the movement of the machine across the court forced me to move about more and adjust my positioning and returns because of the different angles the S10 was firing from. New Atlas, 1 Aug. 2026 The platform’s reactor technologies and catalysts are integrated with software that can adjust operations around intermittent renewable power. Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 1 Aug. 2026 Analysts from the likes of the Metzler Bank in Frankfurt, Bloomberg and JP Morgan reasoned that shareholders could have been disappointed that Puma didn’t adjust its guidance upward, as the company appeared to be on the right track with its reset. Cathrin Schaer, Footwear News, 31 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for adjust
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adjust
Verb
  • One thing setting the Kenyan apart is how quickly she’s adapted and absorbed lessons from her veteran teammates.
    Micahya Costen, AJC.com, 28 July 2026
  • Treatments blend rare organic products and ingredients, a mix of innovative and traditional techniques, and a holistic, 360-degree approach to well-being—and can all be adapted to personal preferences.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 July 2026
Verb
  • Deliverables cannot be adjusted, scope cannot be tailored and both sides lose the chance to reach an agreement that works for the campaign.
    Chris Ryan, Forbes.com, 30 July 2026
  • Care teams monitor daily weather and ozone alerts to tailor accommodations.
    Kelly Werthmann, CBS News, 30 July 2026
Verb
  • These include completing the Critical Design Review (CDR) by the end of 2026, which will establish the certifiable design baseline for the aircraft and enable the production and testing of certification-conforming models.
    Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 18 July 2026
  • Pressure on talent to aesthetically conform used to arise quietly, behind the scenes, from agents, managers and others within the system.
    James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 15 July 2026
Verb
  • Meanwhile, Roten and her husband are stretched thin, putting renovations of what was supposed to be a starter home on hold.
    Natasha Chen, CNN Money, 3 Aug. 2026
  • The Moon’s Shadow Returns Published on NASA’s YouTube channel on July 29, the short trailer puts the emotional impact of totality front and center.
    Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • That type of turf is a water-efficient alternative that is considered better suited to Colorado's climate and approved by Aurora Water for installation during Stage 1 drought restrictions.
    Jennifer McRae, CBS News, 30 July 2026
  • Visitors will learn about retro computing from the 1960s to the ’90s by exploring a showcase of historical computers, some original and some lovingly hacked to suit our modern times.
    Randy McMullen, Mercury News, 30 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Adjust.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adjust. Accessed 3 Aug. 2026.

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