Synonym Chooser

How does the verb rectify differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of rectify are amend, correct, emend, redress, reform, remedy, and revise. While all these words mean "to make right what is wrong," rectify implies a more essential changing to make something right, just, or properly controlled or directed.

rectify a misguided policy

How does the word amend relate to other synonyms for rectify?

Amend, reform, and revise imply an improving by making corrective changes, amend usually suggesting slight changes.

amend a law

When can correct be used instead of rectify?

While the synonyms correct and rectify are close in meaning, correct implies taking action to remove errors, faults, deviations, defects.

correct your spelling

Where would emend be a reasonable alternative to rectify?

The words emend and rectify are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, emend specifically implies correction of a text or manuscript.

emend a text

When is it sensible to use redress instead of rectify?

The meanings of redress and rectify largely overlap; however, redress implies making compensation or reparation for an unfairness, injustice, or imbalance.

redress past social injustices

When might reform be a better fit than rectify?

In some situations, the words reform and rectify are roughly equivalent. However, reform implies drastic change.

plans to reform the court system

When would remedy be a good substitute for rectify?

The synonyms remedy and rectify are sometimes interchangeable, but remedy implies removing or making harmless a cause of trouble, harm, or evil.

set out to remedy the evils of the world

When could revise be used to replace rectify?

While in some cases nearly identical to rectify, revise suggests a careful examination of something and the making of necessary changes.

revise the schedule

Examples 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 rectify The United States must make a concerted effort to rectify its diplomatic shortcomings after decades of relative neglect. Charles Edel, Foreign Affairs, 10 Oct. 2024 Tavares has faced mounting pressure to rectify the automaker's North America operations, where a steep fall in sales and profit have triggered a steep drop in the company's share price. Shivansh Tiwary, Detroit Free Press, 9 Oct. 2024 Wilson and the president of the development company had built a relationship and money was offered to rectify the issue. Marco Rubio, Newsweek, 2 Nov. 2024 Returning to the office full-time is a way to help rectify that issue, according to Andy Jassy. Paolo Confino, Fortune, 31 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for rectify 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rectify
Verb
  • The company has filed a preliminary proxy statement to amend its Certificate of Incorporation to extend the Termination Date, subject to stockholder approval.
    Quartz Bot, Quartz, 14 Nov. 2024
  • The resolution to amend the constitution faced no opposition from lawmakers when it was voted on in 2023.
    Caroline Beck, The Indianapolis Star, 6 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • Palace staffers also can contact rota reporters to get simple errors or false reports corrected.
    Martha Ross, The Mercury News, 12 Nov. 2024
  • As with any system upgrade, problems with the data were discovered that had to be corrected before early voting began on Oct. 16.
    ProPublica, ProPublica, 5 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • County officials have been working in the last year to remedy that issue and ensure a smooth 2024 primary and general.
    Sasha Hupka, The Arizona Republic, 5 Nov. 2024
  • The meta moment acknowledges the show’s greatest ill at this point in time, but doesn’t excuse or remedy it in the slightest.
    Proma Khosla, IndieWire, 30 Oct. 2024

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Thesaurus Entries Near rectify

Cite this Entry

“Rectify.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rectify. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on rectify

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