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 The series follows the ups and downs as the family adjusts to a radically different world outside of the city, and Garner plays a mom who leaves her high-stress corporate job to help run the store. Gillian Telling, People.com, 1 Aug. 2025 But adjusted for inflation, GDP increased at a 3 percent annual rate in the second quarter, the Commerce Department said, topping forecasters’ expectations. Kristina Karisch, The Hill, 31 July 2025 As the fireline is constructed, inspected or reinforced, mappers record those details to adjust the containment percentage. Ca Wildfire Bot, Sacbee.com, 21 July 2025 That plan was ripped up and adjusted to a 4-4-1, with Minge back in defence. Michael Cox, New York Times, 20 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for adjust
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adjust
Verb
  • At the height of superhero fatigue in 2023, Kang Full—adapting his 2015 webtoon—fashioned a fresh take by asking: What if super powers sucked?
    Geoffrey Bunting, Time, 1 Aug. 2025
  • The company is also adapting ex-Doctor Who writer Chris Chibnall’s first novel, Death at the White Hart, into a drama for ITV.
    Jake Kanter, Deadline, 1 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Community colleges, tailored to non-traditional students, would bear the brunt of the impact, Edens said, as more students enroll part-time.
    Lily Kepner, Austin American Statesman, 25 July 2025
  • Readers should not rely solely on the content of this article and are encouraged to seek professional advice tailored to their specific circumstances.
    Matt Emma, USA Today, 24 July 2025
Verb
  • But to the predominantly Black, Mexican American, and Filipino youth wearing them, zoot suits were a declaration of cultural identity, a refusal to conform to white, working-class respectability politics, and a claim to visibility, fun, and dignity in spaces of racialized exclusion.
    Alexandra Jane, Essence, 31 July 2025
  • In addition to the authorities now particularly cited, many others were relied on at the bar, which show how far the practice has conformed to the general doctrines that have been just quoted.
    Liz Tracey, JSTOR Daily, 29 July 2025
Verb
  • None of the four players sent to the Mariners made the Hall of Fame — putting Fister one up on Doyle Alexander.
    Ryan Ford, Freep.com, 29 July 2025
  • The state health department distributes $12 million in SNAP-Ed funding annually to half a dozen agencies who, in turn, put staff in schools, senior centers, food pantries and farmers markets to teach food stamp recipients how to eat healthier and live a more active lifestyle.
    Kelly Meyerhofer, jsonline.com, 29 July 2025
Verb
  • At six team meetings, the other half of the study’s participants learned about brain health and were encouraged to select lifestyle changes that best suited their schedules.
    Sandee LaMotte, CNN Money, 28 July 2025
  • From color damage and bleach to breakage from years of heat styling, this is suited to treat all of your concerns.
    Iman Balagam, Vogue, 28 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

More from Merriam-Webster on adjust

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