Synonyms of reform

reform 1 of 2

verb

ri-ˈfȯrm 

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

• rehabilitate
• redeem
• reclaim
• improve
• regenerate
• habilitate
• restore
• refine
• reeducate
• amend
• cleanse
• purify

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• corrupt
• subvert
• poison
• lower
• prostitute
• demoralize
• degrade
• pervert
• debauch
• warp
• demean
• profane
• abase
• deprave
• canker

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

• improve
• amend
• better
• shape up
• straighten (up or out)
• behave
• clean up one's act
• regenerate
• mend

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• regress
• backslide

3

as in to amend

to remove errors, defects, deficiencies, or deviations from

he had better reform his ways if he wants any of us to trust him

Synonyms & Similar Words

• amend
• correct
• remedy
• rewrite
• change
• rectify
• improve
• repair
• revise
• red-pencil
• rework
• modify
• emend
• redress
• debug
• better
• right
• adjust
• shorten
• ameliorate
• fix
• regulate
• polish
• perfect
• redraft
• redraw
• cut
• alter
• blue-pencil
• restyle
• modulate
• touch up
• mend

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• hurt
• damage
• harm
• impair
• injure
• spoil
• mar
• aggravate
• worsen

reform

2 of 2

noun

as in amendment

Related Words

• amendment
• revision
• change
• rectification
• modification
• transformation
• correction
• alteration
• revise
• remodeling
• variation
• revamping
• conversion
• deformation
• distortion
• reworking
• difference
• metamorphosis
• remaking
• shift
• refashioning
• replacement
• adjustment
• review
• redoing
• fluctuation
• substitution
• oscillation
• mutation
• displacement
• transfiguration
• regulation
• modulation
• redesign
• tweak
• redo

Dissimilar Words

• stabilization
• fixation

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

Recent Examples of reform

Verb

In Mexico, President Claudia Sheinbaum has faced an increasingly stagnant economy and backlash over a controversial judicial reform. —Miami Herald, 18 July 2025

Long-term solutions are likely to require broad economic reforms targeting housing affordability, job security and childcare support. —Jordan King, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 July 2025

Noun

Many western brands were lured by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s push to reform a bureaucratic economy that stifled growth. —Christiaan Hetzner, Fortune, 18 July 2025

President Donald Trump will sign an executive order reforming college sports, as universities ask for uniform rules over athlete pay. —Haisten Willis, The Washington Examiner, 16 July 2025