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 Established exporters such as Nigeria and Malaysia also delivered more LNG than expected, and Asian demand adjusted; some utilities switched from gas to coal while some industrial users curtailed consumption altogether. Jason Bordoff, Foreign Affairs, 14 Aug. 2026 Those figures are adjusted for seasonal swings but not inflation. Bryan Mena, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026 As investors adjust their positions and trade through newly available supply, Goldman garners revenue through bid-ask spreads and execution commissions. Morgan Chittum, CNBC, 14 Aug. 2026 That number is still being adjusted as engineering teams carry out on-site inspections to determine the actual condition of properties across the disaster zone. Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 14 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for adjust
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adjust
Verb
  • Based on Cesc Gay’s 2020 Spanish film The People Upstairs, the screenplay for The Invite was adapted by actor-filmmakers Will McCormack and Rashida Jones.
    Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2026
  • OpenAI positioned Daybreak as a way for its ecosystem partners to use its most advanced artificial intelligence models to adapt to a rapidly changing threat landscape.
    Ashley Capoot, CNBC, 10 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • But they were carefully tailored to appeal to specific groups, like families with young children.
    Natasha Chen, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2026
  • There are only a few public funders who do it, and even then, the process is arduous, and it’s not always tailored to brand new filmmakers.
    Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 13 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Joby has flown its first FAA-conforming aircraft and entered the final stage of type certification.
    Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 5 Aug. 2026
  • The key to it is to give these kids an opportunity in the summer to be with their peers and not have to conform to always having to do hard things.
    Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 5 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • But others take issue with her premise the exercises are unnecessary, arguing that scaling them back puts US forces –– almost 30,000 of them stationed in South Korea and over 50,000 more in nearby Japan –– in a more dangerous situation.
    Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Paying it would inevitably put Meta Platforms in bankruptcy and perhaps put the company under state ownership.
    ABC News, ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • There’s no single best small backpack, but there are some excellent options out there to suit people with a range of styles and preferences.
    BestReviews, Mercury News, 13 Aug. 2026
  • So, similarly to competitors like SoFi, ELFI is best suited for students with strong credit profiles or cosigners.
    Faith Wakefield, USA Today, 13 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Adjust.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adjust. Accessed 17 Aug. 2026.

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