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 new rule also allows the TLC to adjust the target utilization rate on the fly in response to trip data, rather than set it annually. Evan Simko-Bednarski, New York Daily News, 25 June 2025 This can be done to correct mistakes, adjust a project’s size or shape, or create something new. Candi Bolden, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 June 2025 Over time, the AI would then adjust the story, graphics, and even the entire narrative to maximize sustainability. John Brandon, Forbes.com, 14 June 2025 Other quarterbacks move up to the line of scrimmage with time to survey the defense and adjust, if warranted. Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 14 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for adjust
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adjust
Verb
  • Igor Jesus adapted quickly, clambering past Soares in the pecking order and registering six goals and an assist in his first seven starts.
    Jack Lang, New York Times, 27 June 2025
  • Supply chains adapt seamlessly to global disruptions.
    Madhu Gaganam, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025
Verb
  • Ah Loo also volunteered his time and resources to tailor clothing for people who needed help, often refusing to let people compensate him for his work, Mauga said.
    Preston Fore, Fortune, 17 June 2025
  • Work With Your Advisors: Coordinate with your estate planning attorney and tax professionals to tailor your strategy to both current law and future possibilities.
    Matthew F. Erskine, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025
Verb
  • On sale for $1,799 PlushBeds Botanical Bliss Organic Latex Mattress offers a combination of resilient support and conforming pressure relief.
    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, 27 June 2025
  • Yet this efficiency revolution carries an uncomfortable irony: these same systems may systematically exclude unconventional candidates who don't conform to algorithmic patterns, potentially filtering out the very innovators and disruptors that drive organizational breakthroughs.
    Josipa Majic Predin, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025
Verb
  • Haliburton put no weight on the leg and had his face wrapped in towels as he was taken to the Pacers’ locker room for evaluation.
    Tim Reynolds, Chicago Tribune, 23 June 2025
  • Eight steel lifting straps were used to put the hull upright and to form part of a steel wire lifting system that began raising the vessel out of the water Saturday.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 22 June 2025
Verb
  • It’s especially suited to wavy and looser curl types looking for soft hold and frizz control.
    Malia Griggs, Glamour, 23 June 2025
  • The Waterpik Aquarius has 10 pressure settings to suit various sensitivities.
    Alexis Berger, SELF, 23 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Adjust.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adjust. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on adjust

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