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 Parents of students with special needs worried Outside Parmelee Avenue Elementary in the Florence-Firestone neighborhood Wednesday morning, a woman with three foster children said the boys, two of whom are autistic, were new to the school and adjusting to a new routine. Nicole MacIas Garibay, Los Angeles Times, 10 Apr. 2026 One of the great things about our democracy is that it can always be adjusted. David Weigel, semafor.com, 10 Apr. 2026 Riders set a target heart-rate zone in the Avinox Ride app, and the motor automatically adjusts its output to keep them there. Omar Kardoudi april 10, New Atlas, 10 Apr. 2026 In periods where inflation rises faster than expected and interest rates don't immediately adjust to compensate, gold can become more attractive by comparison. Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 10 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for adjust
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adjust
Verb
  • A lot of people were circling this to try to adapt it.
    Jennifer Wilson, New Yorker, 12 Apr. 2026
  • The star adds that finding new, innovative ways to adapt her songs for the stage has been one of her favorite parts of touring in general.
    Christian Allaire, Vogue, 12 Apr. 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.
    Matthew Kayser, Miami Herald, 8 Apr. 2026
  • Published in Microsystems and Nanoengineering, the study presents the development of a novel omnidirectional soft bending sensor tailored for humanoid dexterous hands to facilitate posture perception in delicate manipulation tasks.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 3 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • In states that don’t conform to the federal tax changes, workers who receive a federal tax deduction for tips or overtime still will owe state taxes on those earnings.
    ABC News, ABC News, 12 Apr. 2026
  • Available in both travel and standard sizes, the back support pillow conforms to the body to relieve pressure and alleviate back pain.
    Melony Forcier, PEOPLE, 12 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Simply put, there’s no way that your husband won’t have to deal with this.
    R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 10 Apr. 2026
  • At this point, as one aide put it, Tisza is Magyar, and Magyar is Tisza.
    Kapil Komireddi, New Yorker, 10 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Add this popular accent chair with a mid-century look that suits any space and comes with a pillow for lower back support.
    Jacqueline Tempera, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Apr. 2026
  • Each is gorgeously designed to reflect a distinct personality and suit a particular kind of magic.
    Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 7 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Adjust.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adjust. Accessed 15 Apr. 2026.

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