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 Just as important, Beard believes the auction houses adjusted to the new market faster than much of the private market. Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 17 July 2026 Student-athletes may have to adjust to a new coach, a new culture, new expectations and sometimes a completely different philosophy. Timothy Baghurst, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 July 2026 Some of the first studies explicitly showing that mitochondria influence mental state in particular — and that such states can be adjusted with therapeutic intervention — came from Sandi’s lab. Rachel Nuwer, Quanta Magazine, 17 July 2026 In a later interview, Dixon adjusted his story to claim that he had been shot in Ozone Park, where the known shooting had taken place. Eleanor Jacobs, PEOPLE, 17 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for adjust
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adjust
Verb
  • Ngo frames the Lotte World ride as a test case for adapting Legendary’s characters to physical spaces.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 14 July 2026
  • The model can also adapt to new manipulation tasks with as few as 20 demonstrations through in-context learning, eliminating the need for parameter updates.
    Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 13 July 2026
Verb
  • At Javvu Spa, kids can indulge in treatments tailored to them, including a mini coconut scrub, a mini mani-pedi, and mini meditation sessions.
    Katie Lockhart, Robb Report, 16 July 2026
  • Earn cash back or points on debit card purchases through the PNC Purchase Payback® program, with offers tailored to your shopping habits.
    Dan Avery, CNBC, 15 July 2026
Verb
  • The boot relies on a combination of stretch ripstop upper fabric, laces and centrally zippered overlay to provide a confident, foot-conforming fit.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 14 July 2026
  • In order to conform to swiftly evolving market demand, more landlords are prebuilding and furnishing spaces of from 2,000 to 14,000 square feet in size.
    Jeffrey Steele, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026
Verb
  • In his fifth-inning at-bat, Stephenson was on the other side of two successful challenges by Rutschman that put him down 1-2 in the count instead of up 3-0.
    C. Trent Rosecrans, New York Times, 6 July 2026
  • Go on, put the 131-cube (2,147 cc) monster engine into that one.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 6 July 2026
Verb
  • Also, as open-source models, developers can download the models for free and tweak them to suit their own purposes.
    Nicholas Gordon, Fortune, 17 July 2026
  • That’s hardly an accident, as lawmakers have increasingly manipulated the election process to suit themselves, rejiggering congressional districts to sideline voters and boost their political parties.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 16 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Adjust.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adjust. Accessed 19 Jul. 2026.

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