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 House Resolution 194 acknowledged the fundamental injustice of slavery and Jim Crow laws and expressed commitment to rectifying their lingering consequences. Willie Wilson, Chicago Tribune, 19 June 2025 The budget reconciliation package moving through the Senate is a critical step towards rectifying the current mess. Jackson Shedelbower, Oc Register, 17 June 2025 Along with extra style points, the new design rectifies one of the XM5's biggest detractions with a new hinge point along the arms that once again makes Sony's best wireless headphones foldable for travel. Ryan Waniata, Wired News, 10 June 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for rectify
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rectify
Verb
  • The agreement will automatically renew through June unless the parties amend it sooner.
    Nicholas Sullivan, Charlotte Observer, 9 July 2025
  • The Act would have amended the Home Ownership and Equity Protection Act of 1994, a law that amended the Truth in Lending Act of 1968.
    Norbert Michel, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
Verb
  • Rework alone—correcting things that have simply been done wrong—accounts for 12% of the cost of projects, on average.
    Kathleen Kewley, Forbes.com, 4 July 2025
  • Editor's note: This story has been updated to correct the name of Milwaukee Alderman Fred Steffan in a photo caption.
    Chris Foran, jsonline.com, 3 July 2025
Verb
  • Poor sleep exacerbates many of the chronic conditions that the movement is focused on remedying.
    Nicholas Florko, The Atlantic, 7 July 2025
  • To remedy this issue dealers will replace the cylinder head assembly for free.
    Olivia Evans, The Courier-Journal, 3 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

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