Synonym Chooser

How does the verb rectify differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of rectify are amend, correct, emend, redress, reform, remedy, and revise. While all these words mean "to make right what is wrong," rectify implies a more essential changing to make something right, just, or properly controlled or directed.

rectify a misguided policy

How does the word amend relate to other synonyms for rectify?

Amend, reform, and revise imply an improving by making corrective changes, amend usually suggesting slight changes.

amend a law

When can correct be used instead of rectify?

While the synonyms correct and rectify are close in meaning, correct implies taking action to remove errors, faults, deviations, defects.

correct your spelling

Where would emend be a reasonable alternative to rectify?

The words emend and rectify are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, emend specifically implies correction of a text or manuscript.

emend a text

When is it sensible to use redress instead of rectify?

The meanings of redress and rectify largely overlap; however, redress implies making compensation or reparation for an unfairness, injustice, or imbalance.

redress past social injustices

When might reform be a better fit than rectify?

In some situations, the words reform and rectify are roughly equivalent. However, reform implies drastic change.

plans to reform the court system

When would remedy be a good substitute for rectify?

The synonyms remedy and rectify are sometimes interchangeable, but remedy implies removing or making harmless a cause of trouble, harm, or evil.

set out to remedy the evils of the world

When could revise be used to replace rectify?

While in some cases nearly identical to rectify, revise suggests a careful examination of something and the making of necessary changes.

revise the schedule

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 rectify But the team didn't get enough value from the Doncic deal, and this could be a way to help rectify that. Matt Levine, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 June 2025 Having used tariffs to shake trading partners out of their complacency, the United States can work with these countries to negotiate a reset of the trading system—one that preserves many of the advantages of the old system while rectifying its shortcomings. Emily Kilcrease, Foreign Affairs, 9 June 2025 The mom of five never got a chance to travel the globe, which her family decided to rectify after her death. Sam Gillette, People.com, 5 June 2025 Gold said Uber is working with the Campaign Finance Board to rectify the issue on that end. Chris Sommerfeldt, New York Daily News, 3 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for rectify
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rectify
Verb
  • The suit was later amended to include the proclamation and Harvard moved to request a second block on Trump's proclamation.
    Nadine El-Bawab, ABC News, 16 June 2025
  • In February, the president amended the complaint to seek at least $20 billion.
    Todd Spangler, Variety, 13 June 2025
Verb
  • The disuse of clemency means that a succession of governors abdicated their ancient power to correct miscarriages of justice and temper justice with mercy, which Florida courts don’t do well.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 23 June 2025
  • Trump Is Preparing for a US Attack on Iran Fifty years later, oceanographers are working to correct the record on sharks and educate people on why sharks are a critical part of the ocean's ecosystem and need to be protected.
    Sophie Clark, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 June 2025
Verb
  • And while existing reports do address some of the underlying issues facing Black residents, Robinson stressed the importance of aggregating data specific to Richmond’s Black residents so the city can take a holistic approach to remedying problems and uplifting those struggling most.
    Sierra Lopez, Mercury News, 21 June 2025
  • To remedy the lack of fresh food, some municipalities have pledged part of their state grocery tax revenues to attract grocery stores, and are contractually obligated to come up with the money regardless if the state provides it.
    Mike Nolan, Chicago Tribune, 11 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Rectify.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rectify. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

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