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 The strongest properties employ skilled, adaptive practitioners who adjust to the guest in front of them rather than march through a rigid itinerary — wellness, the experts argue, should feel intuitive rather than prescriptive. Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 22 May 2026 The technology suggested how BD could get products flowing faster, more efficiently, and more safely by adjusting the heights and dimensions of sections of the line. Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 22 May 2026 That drone morphs into a sea shanty–like melody, as if the clouds have parted and the waters calmed, giving you a stable place to stand after having to constantly adjust your footing. Dash Lewis, Pitchfork, 22 May 2026 As each idea gained popularity around the league, the Rays would need to adjust and adapt strategies due to supply-and-demand issues. John Romano, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for adjust
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adjust
Verb
  • Just as diurnal ants follow the relatively steady movement of the sun, the bull ant species has adapted to the orbiting moon’s constant changes, according to research published in .
    K. R. Callaway, Scientific American, 17 May 2026
  • This approach preserves the visual identity of the original compact robot while adapting it to a far more demanding mechanical scale.
    Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 17 May 2026
Verb
  • Readers should not rely solely on the content of this article and are encouraged to seek professional advice tailored to their specific circumstances.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 20 May 2026
  • From lightweight, heat‑resistant foundations to hair care tailored for humidity and texture diversity, these brands are solving problems that international players historically misunderstood or ignored.
    FMG Studios, Footwear News, 20 May 2026
Verb
  • The league has conformed to The King’s whims.
    John Hollinger, New York Times, 15 May 2026
  • The goal is to wring as much production out of each athlete rather than implement a cohesive strategy that must be conformed to.
    Hannah Keyser, CNN Money, 15 May 2026
Verb
  • Her team quickly put together a plan to help coördinate repairs, secure new electrical generators, implement a triage system, and organize trainings for staff.
    Clayton Dalton, New Yorker, 15 May 2026
  • The Bengals, who at one point trailed 6-1, put the game on ice with eight runs in the bottom of the sixth.
    Tony Baranek, Chicago Tribune, 15 May 2026
Verb
  • There are 12 restaurants, each at different price points and that suit different palates.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 May 2026
  • Pack athletic clothing suited to the activities on your itinerary — leggings, shorts, sports bras and hiking shoes — along with grip socks for yoga or Pilates classes.
    Lauren Schuster, Charlotte Observer, 19 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Adjust.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adjust. Accessed 25 May. 2026.

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