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 By adjusting exercises, people can still benefit from the core strengthening, balance, and flexibility improvements Pilates offers while avoiding unnecessary strain or discomfort. Sarah Jividen, Verywell Health, 21 Jan. 2025 Investment managers are adjusting portfolios across asset classes, watching his inaugural address for signals that could trigger near-term market moves. Suzanne McGee and Lewis Krauskopf, USA TODAY, 20 Jan. 2025 Overwatering and root rot can usually be corrected by adjusting your watering schedule. Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Jan. 2025 By understanding where delays usually occurred, the AI agent recommended things like: adjusting timelines and redistributing tasks more effectively. Alex Circei, Forbes, 9 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for adjust 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adjust
Verb
  • These insights can inform smarter business decisions and help adapt to changing industry dynamics.
    Pete First, Forbes, 21 Jan. 2025
  • More than 30 years after illustrating Norton Juster's cult kids' book, Feiffer returned to the genre as an author, with books like 1993's The Man in the Ceiling (eventually adapted into a musical with Tony Award-winning producer Jeffrey Seller) and his 2010 re-teaming with Juster, The Odious Ogre.
    Etelka Lehoczky, NPR, 21 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Machine learning will dynamically tailor content, visuals and offers to individual preferences.
    Dani Nadel, Forbes, 24 Jan. 2025
  • Features like personalized recommendations, natural photo searches and contextual app suggestions are tailored to individual usage patterns without exposing sensitive to external servers.
    Thomas Westerholm, Newsweek, 24 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Unstructured Data Challenges: Conversational data does not conform to rigid schemas.
    Mandar Khoje, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025
  • Within-group pressures also create stronger feelings of belonging among those who conform to the group’s internal norms, such as which political positions to support.
    Joe Árvai, The Conversation, 22 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Avoid putting shade-loving plants alongside sun-loving varieties that need six or more hours of direct sunlight a day.
    Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 29 Jan. 2025
  • New research has validated that prediction and put meat on its bones.
    Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 29 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Additionally, the furniture style suits biophilic design—which connects the outdoors with home interiors—with its organic shape that nods to nature.
    Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Jan. 2025
  • Notice which calendar items don’t suit the ambition of the current version of you.
    Jodie Cook, Forbes, 17 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near adjust

Cite this Entry

“Adjust.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adjust. Accessed 1 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on adjust

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!