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 Meanwhile, the app is working to prioritize content from friends, remove spam, adjust the amount and type of news content users see and more. Joe Mutascio, IndyStar, 13 Aug. 2025 Just remember to dress warmly, bring a comfortable chair and give your eyes about 30 minutes to adjust to the darkness. Doc Louallen, ABC News, 12 Aug. 2025 In at least one document trying to assess the cost of climate change in terms of lives lost, the EPA controversially decided to adjust the value of a statistical life based on per capita income. Literary Hub, 12 Aug. 2025 Would making tweaks like wearing earplugs or adjusting the temperature of the room help solve the problem? Brian Mastroianni, Health, 2 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for adjust
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adjust
Verb
  • Because the technology powering this deception is evolving quickly, HR leaders must adapt to keep fraud out of the hiring process.
    Casey Marquette, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2025
  • Professional leagues set their own revenue models, compliance regulations, and discipline regimes — and adapt quickly when circumstances change.
    Jim Martin, Denver Post, 13 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Donations from the fundraiser are mainly going to the charity WaterAid, an international nonprofit which builds infrastructure tailored to different communities to help provide water.
    Marni Rose McFall, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Aug. 2025
  • The team can tailor meals according to guests’ preferences, from sunrise breakfasts in the garden to intimate candlelit dinners.
    Rebecca Ann Hughes, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • In its second quarter financial report released on August 6, the company noted several milestones including: Preparation for final assembly of the first of several conforming aircraft intended for Type Inspection Authorization flight testing.
    Ed Garsten, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025
  • In a letter sent to the institution on Tuesday, officials said the review would determine if materials conformed to the Trump administration's views on teaching history.
    Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 13 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Miller's efforts in her executive role and beyond speak to her dedication to helping drive Cincinnati's historic reduction in infant mortality in a model of care that puts moms at the center that's now being replicated across the state.
    Grace Tucker, The Enquirer, 7 Aug. 2025
  • The lawsuit was filed days after state Rep. Jason Nemes, R-Middletown, said a legal challenge pending before Kentucky's Supreme Court over a bill passed by state legislators three years ago could also put the merger at risk.
    Lucas Aulbach, The Courier-Journal, 7 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Pivoting Toward Corporate Client Cohorts My work evolved to suit corporate leaders.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025
  • Take a peek at all the best cooling mattress options to suit your needs, below.
    Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 7 Aug. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Adjust.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adjust. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on adjust

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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