reform 1 of 2

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

Relevance

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

reform

2 of 2

noun

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
Verb
However, these reforms face significant political and institutional obstacles. Greg Licholai Md, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025 Egyptian Minister of Investment and Trade Hassan El Khatib told CNBC's Chery Kang on the sidelines of the forum on Tuesday that the country aspires to be in the top 20 in business competitiveness by 2030, following a major reform program launched last year to spur private sector development. Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 25 June 2025
Noun
Congress is closer than it's been in a long time to massively reforming college financial aid. Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 13 June 2025 Instead, local and state officials should reform legislation to reduce labor and material costs, and red tape (fees/taxes/regulations). Phillip Molnar, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for reform
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reform
Verb
  • For the past 20 years, conservationists in Spain worked to rehabilitate their European beaver populations and eventually noticed beavers living closer and closer to the border with Portugal, the organization said.
    Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 13 June 2025
  • Carl Lopp, repeatedly since taking ownership of the property in 1988, promised to rehabilitate the facility with little to show for, one Unified Government commissioner told The Star.
    Sofi Zeman, Kansas City Star, 11 June 2025
Verb
  • The Green Bay Packers were expected to make a move to improve their pass rush heading into the 2025 NFL offseason.
    Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 July 2025
  • The sound quality has also improved from previous AirPod generations.
    Christopher Murray may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom., FOXNews.com, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • But a provision tucked inside the Senate Republican bill to enact President Trump's second-term agenda would force the USPS to sell off the brand new trucks and cancel or significantly amend the contract for the remaining 58,800 that are due to be delivered over the next 10 years.
    Tracy J. Wholf June 24, CBS News, 24 June 2025
  • Answer: There is no cash award large enough to amend for the harm done to the people wrongfully incarcerated, their families and their communities.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 24 June 2025
Noun
  • However, Councilmember Paul Dillon proposed another amendment last week that eliminated the notice period and clarified the definition of obstruction.
    Tim Clouser, The Washington Examiner, 1 July 2025
  • Senators will engage in what's being dubbed a vote-a-rama, beginning this morning where Senators have the opportunity to present amendments, which could in turn lead to hours of votes.
    JJ Kinahan, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
Verb
  • Last Verified On June 22, 2025 Information Confirmed By Newsweek All of these offers are easy to redeem with the Fanatics Sportsbook promo offer.
    Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 June 2025
  • Scooter's Coffee offers BOGO deal on Father's Day Scooter's Coffee customers can redeem a buy one, get one drink offer on Sunday, June 15 in the Scooter's Coffee mobile app.
    Gabe Hauari, USA Today, 15 June 2025
Verb
  • Brazilian dystopian series 3% is another show that follows people who are struggling financially and enter a competition to better their lives.
    Skyler Trepel, People.com, 30 June 2025
  • Kate Hudson considered being emancipated from her parents, Goldie Hawn and Bill Hudson, to better her Hollywood career.
    Janelle Ash, FOXNews.com, 28 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
Noun
  • In addition, revisions to the RAP plan would allow married borrowers to exclude their spouse’s income by filing separate tax returns – a significant change given that the prior version of the senate bill had excluded this language.
    Adam S. Minsky, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • This material presents information through the date indicated, reflecting the author's current expectations, and is subject to revision by the author, though the author is under no obligation to do so.
    Katie Stockton, CNBC, 30 June 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Reform.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reform. Accessed 6 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on reform

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!