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 They are also anticipated to detect hazards like low light so lenses can adjust on the fly, and notify the users if there’s a pet in the yard. Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 23 Oct. 2025 The House is on a 48-hour notice to return to Washington and begin working again, whether that’s voting on a new CR, adjusting to the current CR, or moving forward with regular business and appropriations discussions. Rachel Schilke, The Washington Examiner, 23 Oct. 2025 When asked about the main challenges to adjusting prices quickly, more than half of the respondents said a lack of accurate or accessible data and the absence of a cohesive pricing strategy would be obstacles. Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2025 The town has managed to adjust its budget this year without too many cuts, Stehr said, but the future is not quite so promising. Marissa Meador, IndyStar, 23 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for adjust
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adjust
Verb
  • The early signs are encouraging but the players are still adapting to Alonso’s demands.
    Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
  • In the early days of the conflict, the Ukrainian military was much more agile than Russian forces in terms of adapting tactics and equipment.
    Tim Lister, CNN Money, 25 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The exhibition design, specifically tailored to the museum, was curated by Guicciardini & Magni Architetti in collaboration with Arianna Sarti, museum exhibition manager.
    Andrea Onate, Footwear News, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Chairman Atkins noted that the processes should ensure that the SEC seeks to impose penalties and other relief that are appropriately tailored to the misconduct at issue, within statutory limitations, and without adding further to shareholder injury.
    Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • So, California can fill in the gap — or localities can figure out ways to conform to the new guidelines, even if some of them are ridiculous.
    Steven Greenhut, Oc Register, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Writers had to conform to ideological rules; many works were banned outright.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 22 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • China has been building the world’s largest navy, launching high-tech warships at a frenetic pace under the leadership of Xi Jinping, putting pressure on the United States and its Pacific allies to keep pace.
    Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 26 Oct. 2025
  • In addition to Hermitage Farm, Laura Lee Brown and Wilson, who also founded the 21c Museum Hotel chain, have put more than 2,400 acres of land in agriculture conservation easements in Oldham County.
    Maggie Menderski, Louisville Courier Journal, 26 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • But the Gripen-E is considered by experts to be well-suited to operating conditions in Ukraine.
    Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 23 Oct. 2025
  • While micro-bangs seem scary, they’re easily styled to suit any face shape, and of course, grow out quick!
    Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Adjust.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adjust. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on adjust

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