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 Kayla Bartkowski / Getty Images The budget resolution directs congressional committees to craft their own proposals to hit spending targets, increasing or decreasing funding by adjusting programs and policies that fall under their purview. Kaia Hubbard, CBS News, 26 Feb. 2025 The Bills’ scouting department and coaching staff will adjust, but any single opponent is a moving target. Tim Graham, The Athletic, 14 Feb. 2025 The sales totals are adjusted for seasonality but not inflation for a month, in which prices rose 0.5%. Jeff Cox, CNBC, 14 Feb. 2025 He also is getting adjusted to the birth of his first child, Emma. Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 14 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for adjust
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adjust
Verb
  • With a real-time view of how work is evolving, organizations can adapt faster to change.
    Eric Mosley, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025
  • This article was adapted from Jenny Anderson and Rebecca Winthrop’s new book, The Disengaged Teen: Helping Kids Learn Better, Feel Better, and Live Better.
    Jenny Anderson, The Atlantic, 26 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • The threats faced by individuals like Michael are tailored and dynamic.
    Chad Angle, Forbes, 18 Feb. 2025
  • All of his clothes were tailored by my tailor, Chris Kerr.
    Mark Peikert, IndieWire, 17 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • This order serves only two purposes: to score partisan political points in a manufactured culture war and to purge the military of those who don’t conform to MAGA ideology.
    Johnny Weixler, The Denver Post, 24 Feb. 2025
  • Fear of retaliation, social conditioning, and the pressure to conform make speaking up difficult.
    Rodger Dean Duncan, Forbes, 18 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • However, after becoming the first man to stop Zhang, the boxing world has no choice but to put some respect on the 32-year-old German’s name.
    Brian Mazique, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2025
  • DeMelo, meanwhile, is putting together an underrated season.
    Peter Baugh, The Athletic, 22 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • The 40-inch model is better suited for group use or lecturing applications because text appears larger than on the 34-inch model.
    Mark Sparrow, Forbes, 23 Feb. 2025
  • Queen Letizia of Spain returned to her power suiting ways on Thursday for a royal engagement in Madrid, styling a suit that’s become a staple of her royal wardrobe.
    Julia Teti, WWD, 21 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Adjust.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adjust. Accessed 4 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on adjust

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