adjust

1 of 2

verb

ad·​just ə-ˈjəst How to pronounce adjust (audio)
adjusted; adjusting; adjusts
Synonyms of adjust

transitive verb

1
a
: to bring to a more satisfactory state:
(1)
: settle, resolve
ways of adjusting conflicts
(2)
: rectify
adjust an error
b
: to make correspondent or conformable : adapt
had to adjust our approach
c
: to bring the parts of to a true or more effective relative position
adjust a carburetor
2
: to reduce to a system : regulate
3
: to determine the amount to be paid under an insurance policy in settlement of (a loss)

intransitive verb

1
: to adapt or conform oneself (as to new conditions)
adjust to the new regulations
Our eyes gradually adjusted to the darkness.
2
: to achieve mental and behavioral balance between one's own needs and the demands of others
adjustability
ə-ˌjə-stə-ˈbi-lə-tē How to pronounce adjust (audio)
noun
adjustable
ə-ˈjə-stə-bəl How to pronounce adjust (audio)
adjective
adjustive
ə-ˈjə-stiv How to pronounce adjust (audio)
adjective

adjustable

2 of 2

adjective

ad·​just·​a·​ble ə-ˈjə-stə-bəl How to pronounce adjustable (audio)
: capable of being adjusted
adjustability
ə-ˌjə-stə-ˈbi-lə-tē How to pronounce adjustable (audio)
noun
The ride on our test Expedition was smooth and comfortable, thanks to leather captain's chairs up front that offered practically unlimited adjustability. —Todd W. Smith, Outdoor Life, December 2007/January 2008

Synonyms of adjust

Relevance

Verb

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus
Choose the Right Synonym for adjust

adapt, adjust, accommodate, conform, reconcile mean to bring one thing into correspondence with another.

adapt implies a modification according to changing circumstances.

adapted themselves to the warmer climate

adjust suggests bringing into a close and exact correspondence or harmony such as exists between parts of a mechanism.

adjusted the budget to allow for inflation

accommodate may suggest yielding or compromising to effect a correspondence.

businesses accommodating themselves to the new political reality

conform applies to bringing into accordance with a pattern, example, or principle.

refused to conform to society's values

reconcile implies the demonstration of the underlying compatibility of things that seem to be incompatible.

tried to reconcile what he said with what I knew

Examples of adjust in a Sentence

Verb The car is easier to drive since the clutch was adjusted. I adjusted the volume on the radio. She adjusted the car seat so she could reach the pedals. Going to a new school can be difficult, but the kids will eventually adjust. It's hard to adjust myself to the idea that she's gone. He makes less money now, when you adjust for inflation, than he did 10 years ago.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Verb
Researchers then move the ion to different locations above the chip by adjusting voltages on the trap electrodes. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 3 July 2026 Some providers might work on a sliding fee scale, for example, which adjusts cost based on a patient’s household income and family size. — Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 2 July 2026 California adjusts lottery prizes based on the number of tickets sold and number of winners. — Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 2 July 2026 If the flyovers run late or fast, users can manually adjust the timer, and the app will automatically display which aircraft is coming up next. — Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 4 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for adjust

Word History

Etymology

Verb

borrowed from French ajuster (earlier and Middle French also spelled adjuster), going back to Old French ajouster "to make comply with," from a- (going back to Latin ad- ad-) + -jouster, verbal derivative of juste "right, exact" — more at just entry 1

First Known Use

Verb

1611, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Adjective

1768, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of adjust was in 1611

Rhymes for adjust

See All Rhymes for adjust

Browse Nearby Words

adjurer
adjust
adjustable
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Adjust.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/adjust. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

adjust

verb
ad·​just ə-ˈjəst How to pronounce adjust (audio)
1
: to bring to a better state : set right
adjust conflicts
adjust the error
2
: to move the parts of an instrument or a piece of machinery until they fit together in the best working order
adjust a watch
adjust the brakes on a car
3
: to determine the amount of an insurance claim
4
: to adapt oneself to conditions
had trouble adjusting to the new job
adjustable
-ˈjəs-tə-bəl How to pronounce adjust (audio)
adjective
adjuster noun
also adjustor
-ˈjəs-tər

Medical Definition

adjust

transitive verb
ad·​just ə-ˈjəst How to pronounce adjust (audio)
: to bring about orientation or adaptation of (oneself)

intransitive verb

1
: to adapt oneself (as to climate, food, or new working hours)
2
: to achieve mental and behavioral balance between one's own needs and the demands of others
adjustability
-ˌjəs-tə-ˈbil-ət-ē How to pronounce adjust (audio)
noun
plural adjustabilities
adjustable
-ˈjəs-tə-bəl How to pronounce adjust (audio)
adjective
adjustive
-ˈjəs-tiv How to pronounce adjust (audio)
adjective

Legal Definition

adjust

transitive verb
ad·​just
1
a
: to determine the amount to be paid under an insurance policy in settlement of (a loss)
b
: to make new arrangements with creditors for the payment of (the debts of a debtor in bankruptcy)
2
: to calculate in accordance with a system
adjusting the basis

More from Merriam-Webster on adjust

Nglish: Translation of adjust for Spanish Speakers

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