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 can adjust between four suction levels based on how congested their baby is. Kaitlyn Gomez, USA Today, 8 July 2025 Still available in white and taupe, its generous strap (which can be worn two ways) is designed to fit comfortably over the shoulder, but can be adjusted to become a crossbody, too. Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 July 2025 Foiling yachts are typically equipped with software that adjusts the foils hundreds of times a second to maintain safe, level flight. Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 26 June 2025 Each credential’s impact is measured using counterfactual analysis, which compares a credential earner to a matched group of similar workers who didn’t earn it—adjusting for factors like job type, education level, and experience. Dr. Aviva Legatt, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for adjust
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adjust
Verb
  • Native Americans during the earliest periods of contact with Europeans in Texas, according to Spanish records, also adapted to the prevailing cycles of seasonal flooding in the state's interior by modifying their economic trade cycles.
    Doyle Rice, USA Today, 8 July 2025
  • The novel was later adapted into a film starring Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor — herself a guest at the hotel.
    Harold Isaac, NPR, 8 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
  • Performance reviews may require a personal touch, but AI can help HR leaders put together hiring managers’ or supervisors’ feedback into a proper framework.
    Julie Hoagland, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
  • Why put yourself in the position of being a foreigner in Trump’s America?
    Stephen Marche, The Atlantic, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • As such, Raleigh's new icon will likely be best suited to slight inclines and fairly level city streets.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 5 July 2025
  • Available for adoption through Our Companions’ Re-homing Program, Rocco is 2 years old and looking to find a home that can better suit his youthful energy and size.
    Staff report, Hartford Courant, 4 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Adjust.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adjust. Accessed 15 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on adjust

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