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 Buy Now Select Roald Dahl Children's Books Edited for Less Offensive and More Inclusive Language 14 of 15 'A Little Life' by Hanya Yanagihara Anyone who hasn't read this book is doing themselves a grave disservice and must rectify that immediately. Lizz Schumer, People.com, 23 Apr. 2025 The previous attempt to bring the companies together in 2022 was abandoned after being thwarted by European Union regulators, who considered the merged group would be too dominant in the TV advertising market and said one of the main channels involved would need to be sold to rectify the issue. Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 22 Apr. 2025 In 2019, after recognizing the lack of streets named after women, the city of Geneva created an initiative to rectify the imbalance. Jeryl Brunner, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025 But don’t worry, the actor has since rectified that glaring omission from his film knowledge. Vlada Gelman, TVLine, 21 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for rectify
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rectify
Verb
  • The campaign to amend the uniform regulations has made headlines across Ireland, whose prime minister has even voiced support for the athletes to have the right to wear shorts.
    Ken Maguire, Chicago Tribune, 9 May 2025
  • Executive guidance and memoranda have said that the policy will be enforced comprehensively and without further delay unless otherwise amended by presidential action.
    Tahar Rajab, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 May 2025
Verb
  • The mistake was caught within minutes and officials were alerted so that it could be corrected, according to a team source.
    Chris Johnston, New York Times, 2 May 2025
  • The President has said the nation is experiencing a setback that will be corrected by manufacturing jobs being created in the U.S. Biden has been publicly quiet about the incessant criticism that continues to come from his successor.
    Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 1 May 2025
Verb
  • 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 whether the state provides it or not.
    Molly Morrow, Chicago Tribune, 4 May 2025
  • To remedy its poor agricultural production, the French state began pushing land consolidation, industrial farm practices, and U.S. tractors.
    Made by History, Time, 25 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Rectify.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rectify. Accessed 20 May. 2025.

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