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 statewide rate is seasonally adjusted, while the metro rates are not adjusted. Jim Turner, Sun Sentinel, 18 July 2025 The deal comes out to $3.5 billion after adjusting for estimated tax benefits. Darla Mercado, Cfp®, CNBC, 18 July 2025 Imagine a robot coyote that can recognize a flock of geese and adjust its tactics on the fly. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 18 July 2025 These agents can independently plan campaigns, test variations, adjust budgets and even launch A/B tests without human intervention. Saul Marquez, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for adjust
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adjust
Verb
  • Coale said that while lawyers may be learning to adapt to the technology’s quirks, clients could soon become the larger liability.
    Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 20 July 2025
  • This would not only give researchers time to understand and control the behavior of existing AI systems, but would also give institutions time to adapt and prepare for how to prevent economic disempowerment of American workers from mass AI automation.
    Jason Hausenloy, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 July 2025
Verb
  • Instead of aiming for Pinterest perfection, focus first on storing things to be accessible and tailored to your lifestyle.
    Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 July 2025
  • Brutal bareknuckle fighting returns on Saturday night with BKFC 78 Hollywood: Perdomo vs. Adams, in an event tailored to the most hardcore of fight fans.
    Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 July 2025
Verb
  • As most states conform to federal definitions for determining income and deductions, this means that the tax rate for gambling income has the potential to be even higher than the 74% rate illustrated in the example.
    Nathan Goldman, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025
  • These changes do not require the two-step 28-day process of normal rule changes because this would be a change to conform to law, under Civil Code 4355(b)(4).
    Kelly G. Richardson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 July 2025
Verb
  • Cayley put her deposit down in February and traveled to Turkey in May.
    Hedy Phillips, People.com, 15 July 2025
  • But the 2025 grades put Brookshire Elementary School in Winter Park in an uncomfortable spotlight.
    Zoey Thomas, The Orlando Sentinel, 15 July 2025
Verb
  • This transition can unlock a range of operational and commercial advantages uniquely suited to commercial fleets.
    Yu Fang, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
  • Davis is a magnetic front man, and the Roadhouse Band is an intoxicatingly raucous live outfit, but the constraints of the setup suited his new material, which is suffused with listlessness and yearning, dark jokes and wordy disquisitions on desire.
    Amanda Petrusich, New Yorker, 14 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Adjust.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adjust. Accessed 23 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on adjust

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