Definition of adjustnext

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb adjust contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of adjust are accommodate, adapt, conform, and reconcile. While all these words mean "to bring one thing into correspondence with another," 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

When would accommodate be a good substitute for adjust?

The synonyms accommodate and adjust are sometimes interchangeable, but accommodate may suggest yielding or compromising to effect a correspondence.

accommodated his political beliefs in order to win

In what contexts can adapt take the place of adjust?

In some situations, the words adapt and adjust are roughly equivalent. However, adapt implies a modification according to changing circumstances.

adapted themselves to the warmer climate

When could conform be used to replace adjust?

The words conform and adjust are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, conform applies to bringing into accordance with a pattern, example, or principle.

refused to conform to society's values

When is it sensible to use reconcile instead of adjust?

The meanings of reconcile and adjust largely overlap; however, 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

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 adjust Tech1’s organizers have, like Snitkovsky, asserted that the timing was adjusted simply to take advantage of the fact that so many expat Israelis would be flying in to vote. — Daniel Brook, New Yorker, 24 Oct. 2026 Issagholyan built out a 24-session plan to course-correct, involving twice weekly visits in which I would be chiropractically adjusted, my jaw cold-lasered to promote cellular regeneration and my back muscles stimulated by electrodes. — Alessandra Codinha, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2026 Sleep hacking is adjusting breathing, light, temperature and bedtime routines to improve rest without medication. — Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 23 Oct. 2026 The police prefecture has urged shopkeepers to strengthen security, check surveillance systems and alarms, protect storefronts and consider adjusting opening hours or hiring private security. — Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for adjust
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adjust
Verb
  • Leaders also need to ask whether their systems are becoming easier to understand, control and adapt.
    — Chandini Sheeba, Forbes.com, 26 Oct. 2026
  • The company’s theater work began with The Lunchbox Musical, written by Batra and adapted from his 2013 film.
    — Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 26 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • One Media Capital Fund was created to bridge this gap, by providing indie companies with financing tools tailored to the needs of the production sector and complementary to the country’s traditional bank credit options.
    — Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Paltrow referenced recent findings on ice baths tailored specifically for women that support a more moderate approach.
    — Samantha Agate, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Furthermore, many conventional devices use brittle, rigid materials that cannot easily stretch or conform to irregular surfaces, limiting their suitability for soft robotics and seamless biological integration.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 18 Oct. 2026
  • These bog bodies tell stories of a time when humans were sacrificed to the gods in bogs, as otherworldly margins between the human and divine realms, or when social outcasts met a cruel, violent end for failing to conform to societal standards.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 16 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • After the break, Colleyville Heritage wide receiver Trevi Preische’s 10-yard TD reception helped the Panthers make some progress, but a 23-yard score from Caldwell put Argyle’s lead back to three-scores.
    — Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Congress answered with the Air Commerce Act of 1926, which put the Commerce Department in charge of commercial flight.
    — Neil Chatterjee, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • His interests suited McCarthy, and McCarthy’s skills helped him in turn.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 20 Oct. 2026
  • People can upload their resume or Linkedin profile and get a personalized set of potential business ideas that might suit them.
    — Jeremy Kahn, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Adjust.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adjust. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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