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 Just attach it to a railing and adjust the height to your liking. — Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Nov. 2026 Adding a video chat to the mix would occasionally slow things down, but only for about 30 seconds until the system adjusted. — Marshall Honorof, PC Magazine, 7 Nov. 2026 The figure is also adjusted to account for share buybacks and based on company filings and court records detailing share issuances and sales. — Reuters, NBC news, 6 Nov. 2026 Cases were sometimes manufactured stateside or sent from Switzerland and assembled, adjusted, and finished on site. — Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 6 Nov. 2026 See All Example Sentences for adjust
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adjust
Verb
  • There was a time where having her books adapted for the screen felt like the epitome of Adeyemi’s work.
    — Wisdom Iheanyichukwu, Vanity Fair, 2 Nov. 2026
  • This column is adapted from an episode of the Life Hax podcast and has been lightly edited for clarity.
    — Carolyn Hax, Washington Post, 2 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • Vogue’s reporting on blush tailoring explores how techniques can be adjusted to complement different features and preferences.
    — Ashley Lynch, Kansas City Star, 3 Nov. 2026
  • As the threat grows, strategies tailored to the environmental, social and economic realities of each community are more important than ever.
    — Virginia Iglesias, The Conversation, 3 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • Clarification and update of City charter Shall the City Charter be amended for style, clarity and consistency, along with amendments removing outdated provisions, and amendments updating the Charter to conform with State law provisions?
    — South Florida Sun Sentinel, Sun Sentinel, 3 Nov. 2026
  • Her constructions are rife with hourglass seams that make coats conform to, rather than constrict, the body’s curves, or panels under the arm to enhance range of movement.
    — Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 29 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Far-right President Javier Milei's sweeping austerity measures, which have pushed millions of Argentines into poverty, could put him at odds with Leo, who has long championed the poor.
    — Carrie Kahn, NPR, 7 Nov. 2026
  • To put that into context, a typical conventional lithium-ion cell has an energy density of around 200–300 Wh/kg.
    — Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 7 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • Instead of depending on separate ammunition types for different targets, crews can configure the projectile to suit the situation.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 4 Nov. 2026
  • Medium and tan complexions often suit peach, caramel and warm brown.
    — Ashley Lynch, Kansas City Star, 3 Nov. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Adjust.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adjust. Accessed 10 Nov. 2026.

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