reform 1 of 2

reform

2 of 2

verb

1
as in to rehabilitate
to make better in behavior or character volunteers at a sanctuary that tries to reform dogs with behavior problems

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
as in to improve
to change one's behavior or character for the better a man who's been trying to reform ever since he got fired for missing too many days of work

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

3

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb reform differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of reform are amend, correct, emend, rectify, redress, remedy, and revise. While all these words mean "to make right what is wrong," reform implies drastic change.

plans to reform the court system

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

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

amend a law

When is it sensible to use correct instead of reform?

The meanings of correct and reform largely overlap; however, correct implies taking action to remove errors, faults, deviations, defects.

correct your spelling

Where would emend be a reasonable alternative to reform?

Although the words emend and reform have much in common, emend specifically implies correction of a text or manuscript.

emend a text

When is rectify a more appropriate choice than reform?

While in some cases nearly identical to reform, rectify implies a more essential changing to make something right, just, or properly controlled or directed.

rectify a misguided policy

When would redress be a good substitute for reform?

The words redress and reform are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, redress implies making compensation or reparation for an unfairness, injustice, or imbalance.

redress past social injustices

When can remedy be used instead of reform?

While the synonyms remedy and reform are close in meaning, remedy implies removing or making harmless a cause of trouble, harm, or evil.

set out to remedy the evils of the world

When might revise be a better fit than reform?

The synonyms revise and reform are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 reform
Noun
And to justify funding, the reforms must be transformative. Joe Ferguson, Chicago Tribune, 9 May 2025 Duffy disputed claims that the project would take 10-15 years, saying it could be completed in three to four years if Congress provides funding and agrees to key reforms. Samantha-Jo Roth, The Washington Examiner, 8 May 2025
Verb
In 2024, Los Angeles mayor Karen Bass created an advisory group of industry leaders and issued an executive directive that called for city departments to meet quarterly with industry stakeholders and review and make recommendations for reforming their processes for permitting. Katie Kilkenny, HollywoodReporter, 29 Apr. 2025 An interim committee of Republican lawmakers put forth more than 27 bills to reform the judiciary ahead of this year’s legislative session. ArsTechnica, 29 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for reform
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reform
Noun
  • Birthright citizenship is a Constitutional right, clearly articulated in the 14th amendment.
    Dan Gooding, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 May 2025
  • There is no language in the draft bill or the amendment that would further exempt Social Security from tax.
    Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025
Verb
  • Our investigation found that a large number of the private agencies deliberately kept the children in their care and out of the adoption market, making little or no effort to rehabilitate their parents.
    Stewart Ain, New York Daily News, 18 May 2025
  • State officials say this is the fourth young cub in the past five years that’s been brought in to be rehabilitated.
    Karen Kucher, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 May 2025
Verb
  • The program seeks to tackle the issue through nutrition, physical activity, cutting back on medications and improving food and drug quality and safety.
    Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy, USA Today, 15 May 2025
  • However, this premium valuation appears justified when considering the company’s extraordinary growth trajectory and improving profitability metrics.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025
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
Noun
  • On an annual basis, prices rose 2.4% compared to a 3.4% increase in March after upward revisions.
    Paul Davidson, USA Today, 16 May 2025
  • The City Council voted 5-2 to approve the revisions to the energy cooperation agreement that excluded the $150,000 per year bump to the solar equity program.
    Rob Nikolewski, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 May 2025
Verb
  • Benning redeemed himself minutes later, threading a blue-line blast through traffic on a late-period power play to tie the game at 2-2, reawakening the Charlotte crowd and shifting momentum back to the home team.
    Colin Cerniglia, Charlotte Observer, 17 May 2025
  • Chargers Jim Harbaugh taking a new approach to evaluating Chargers’ rookie talent May 10, 2025 Week 17, HOUSTON, TBD: Herbert can redeem himself against the defense that grabbed four interceptions in the Chargers’ 2024 playoff flop.
    Thuc Nhi Nguyen, Los Angeles Times, 15 May 2025
Verb
  • Rose has been one of the best putters in major championships in recent years: since the beginning of 2023, his average of 0.90 strokes gained putting per round is only bettered by Harris English (1.02).
    Justin Ray, New York Times, 14 May 2025
  • With this acquisition, Richer Poorer will now be folded into Andie’s high-performing e-commerce operations, enabling the brand to better leverage data to drive customer acquisition, optimize inventory and accelerate growth.
    Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 13 May 2025
Verb
  • But given that Brendan was just carved up, Kev quickly corrects his mum.
    Matt Cabral, EW.com, 18 May 2025
  • This story has been corrected to show that Boston and Reese got double technical fouls, not Clark and Reese.
    Michael Marot, Baltimore Sun, 17 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Reform.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reform. Accessed 23 May. 2025.

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