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 School is back in session in Season 2 with America adjusting to Homelander’s iron fist while, back at Godolkin University, the mysterious new Dean, Cipher, preaches a curriculum that promises to make students more powerful than ever. Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 31 May 2025 This would be the biggest single-year cut to NASA in history, and the 2026 funding would be the agency's lowest since 1961 when adjusted for inflation, according to The Planetary Society, a nonprofit exploration advocacy organization. Mike Wall, Space.com, 31 May 2025 The focus is on teaching and learning with a new playbook and minute but important details such as adjusting his footwork when receiving the snap. Brad Biggs, Chicago Tribune, 21 May 2025 That's starting with support for Gmail, which allows AI Mode to adjust based on things like booking emails and online purchase receipts. Ryan Whitwam, ArsTechnica, 21 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for adjust
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adjust
Verb
  • This story was adapted for the web by Obed Manuel and edited by Treye Green.
    Kaity Kline, NPR, 2 June 2025
  • With composable architectures, businesses gain the agility to adapt quickly to market demands, streamline workflows, and create personalized customer experiences.
    John Bruno, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
Verb
  • That could be a service reminder, a birthday postcard or an offer tailored to recent behavior.
    Ryan Ferrier, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025
  • Many people also seek support from personal trainers, who can teach safe methods for working out that are tailored to their personal fitness goals.
    Jennifer Steinhoff, Verywell Health, 6 June 2025
Verb
  • In Feeding Ghosts, the disconnect between Sun Yi’s training and instincts as a journalist, and the requirements of the increasingly totalitarian Communist regime to make reality conform to their narrative, literally drove her insane.
    Rob Salkowitz, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025
  • In ruling in favor of Harris, Contreras said the statutory protections for board members from being removed without cause conform with the Constitution in light of a 1935 Supreme Court precedent in a case called Humphrey's Executor v. United States.
    John Kruzel, USA Today, 23 May 2025
Verb
  • Every hard-working American deserves a living wage that helps put a roof over their head and food on the table–$7.25 an hour doesn't even come close.
    / CBS News, CBS News, 10 June 2025
  • Fox One is launching by the fall, and puts sports at the forefront of its overall offering.
    John Cassillo, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
Verb
  • Also noteworthy was the natural, human-centric approach to the user interface, with the AI agent interacting in a warm conversational tone and doing so in a regional accent selected to suit the location being called.
    Ray Ravaglia, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
  • Here are six other emerging hubs, with yachts best suited to explore each region.
    Julia Zaltzman, Robb Report, 30 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Adjust.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adjust. Accessed 13 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on adjust

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