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 State and local policymakers should do what’s in the public’s best interest and adjust their alcohol taxation accordingly. Adam Hoffer, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026 Since the stadium was adjusted, reducing the capacity, raising prices and adding suites, the atmosphere has become a little less intimidating. Adam Crafton, New York Times, 4 July 2026 Organizers of celebrations months in the making had to adjust or cancel activities entirely as much of the East Coast sweltered under heat that approached and in many cases surpassed triple digits. Steven Sloan, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2026 At the streaming giant’s request, both Kalshi and Polymarket have now removed Spotify’s logo from their markets and adjusted their language to avoid implying that Spotify had verified its chart results. Will McCurdy, PC Magazine, 4 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for adjust
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adjust
Verb
  • Each method can be adapted to fit different living situations, energy levels and comfort zones.
    Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 July 2026
  • The action movie directed by Francis Lawrence and adapted from Suzanne Collins’ 2025 novel sees Zada step into the role that was previously played by Woody Harrelson.
    Raven Brunner, PEOPLE, 7 July 2026
Verb
  • Staff members assess each child's needs and tailor the lessons accordingly.
    Brittney Melton, NPR, 2 July 2026
  • They’re also suited for specific boating environments, with canoeing most frequently seen in rivers, lakes, and shallower waters while sailboats are more tailored for wider distances and uses.
    Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 2 July 2026
Verb
  • Female leads typically conform to the mainstream beauty standard of pale, young and thin.
    Lavender Au, The Dial, 30 June 2026
  • Theater artists who have come of age in this period have been released from the burden of having to conform to notions of regional theater respectability.
    Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2026
Verb
  • In his fifth-inning at-bat, Stephenson was on the other side of two successful challenges by Rutschman that put him down 1-2 in the count instead of up 3-0.
    C. Trent Rosecrans, New York Times, 6 July 2026
  • Go on, put the 131-cube (2,147 cc) monster engine into that one.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 6 July 2026
Verb
  • Its beachfront villas suit multigenerational families and friend groups alike, with activities ranging from oyster roasts to horseback riding, shooting, golf, biking, kayaking, boating and fishing.
    Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
  • These companies have been accustomed to selling products that emerged from lab work 10 or 20 years before and are now trying to speed up the commercialization timelines to suit an era of more advanced robotics and AI.
    Lucas Laursen, IEEE Spectrum, 2 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Adjust.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adjust. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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