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 Listen to your body and adjust your intake accordingly. Christopher Bergland, Verywell Health, 4 Sep. 2025 Two players in California, which adjusts lottery prize amounts based on the number of tickets sold and number of winners, won $984,000 each, the California Lottery said. Don Sweeney, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Sep. 2025 Two players in California, which adjusts lottery prize amounts based on the number of tickets sold and number of winners, won $984,594 each, the California Lottery said. Don Sweeney, Kansas City Star, 4 Sep. 2025 Getting hospital privileges at Wisconsin's various health institutions sometimes requires mental health disclosure, although some organizations, like UW Health, have adjusted their questions to remove these disclosures. Natalie Eilbert, jsonline.com, 26 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for adjust
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adjust
Verb
  • Cobra Kai creators Josh Heald, Jon Hurwitz, and Hayden Schlossberg are in early talks to adapt Knight Rider for the big screen at Universal Pictures, Entertainment Weekly can confirm.
    Lauren Huff, EW.com, 27 Aug. 2025
  • But, since many species of sharks and rays leave similar mating marks, a framework for interpreting bite wounds can be adapted to other species, allowing conservationists to monitor reproductive activity across oceans.
    Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 27 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Available in petite and regular sizes and an array of neutral colors, these machine-washable pants are specifically tailored for women under 5 foot 4.
    Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Sep. 2025
  • The events, which are locally organized and tailored to local concerns, are led by labor organizations, including the AFL-CIO, national advocacy groups such as May Day Strong, Public Citizen and Indivisible and dozens on local advocacy groups.
    Sarah D. Wire, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Mitevska does conform though to the popular imagination of the extreme devotion exhibited by Saint Teresa towards the downtrodden.
    Ritesh Mehta, IndieWire, 27 Aug. 2025
  • This is not something that is readily available in most situations, since the norm is to conform.
    Gina Park, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • But some community members worry the requirements put the program out of reach for the average resident and that the concentrated focus on west Louisville properties could encourage gentrification.
    Killian Baarlaer, The Courier-Journal, 28 Aug. 2025
  • The reimbursement, coupled with the $3 million purchase price, puts the county close to the $5 million appraisal.
    Kelly Meyerhofer, jsonline.com, 28 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • This would probably better suit Kalimuendo as a partner to Wood, as Jesus likes to drop slightly deeper from a two-man attack, whereas Kalimuendo is more likely to make runs behind the defence.
    Nick Miller, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2025
  • A lot of these are decorations and home goods that suit the season.
    Katlyn Moncada, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Adjust.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adjust. Accessed 6 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on adjust

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