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 Some aspects of our skin adjust to our environment. Literary Hub, 20 Feb. 2026 Ideally, a friend who cares about you will understand and adjust. R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 20 Feb. 2026 As Shoresy continues to adjust to life off the rink, a touring European team puts the Canadian way of playing to the test. Savannah Salazar, Vulture, 20 Feb. 2026 Secure loose outdoor items and adjust plans as necessary so you're not caught outside. Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 20 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for adjust
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adjust
Verb
  • Thus, the robot can adapt to new situations without losing key properties of the movement, such as keeping a bottle vertical so as not to spill the contents, as per the press release.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 16 Feb. 2026
  • This article was translated and adapted from Spanish by John Newton.
    José Cantillo Ferrer, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Software stocks plummeted in early February after AI company Anthropic released a tool tailoring its AI helper specifically for individual industries, like legal and financial analysis.
    Lisa Eadicicco, CNN Money, 19 Feb. 2026
  • The plaintiffs in these suits are claiming that the algorithms are built and tailored towards individual users to keep them hooked.
    Erwin Chemerinsky, Mercury News, 18 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • The tension in Hines’s version lies in Bessette’s refusal to conform to the role.
    Doreen St. Félix, New Yorker, 14 Feb. 2026
  • Martin highlighted the findings, which mostly conformed to his expectations but still surprised him in the magnitude of the angst over the work situationship.
    Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 11 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Mountbatten-Windsor put his arm around Giuffre with Maxwell standing close, smiling.
    Kim Hjelmgaard, USA Today, 20 Feb. 2026
  • But the table is so congested that putting any kind of winning run together could make a real difference while the teams above them are distracted by European commitments.
    Oliver Kay, New York Times, 20 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • As much as short hair suits Joey King, this shoulder-length, blunt cut with bangs might just be even more stunning.
    Krista Carter, InStyle, 17 Feb. 2026
  • Different watering methods like bottom watering, top watering, and submerging can help suit specific succulent needs.
    Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 16 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Adjust.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adjust. Accessed 22 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on adjust

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