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 In a better world, parents would be able to trust the government not only to monitor existing threats, but to keep up with new science and adjust accordingly. Corinne Low, Time, 7 Aug. 2026 Instead, stay open to adjusting priorities where appropriate while keeping the long-term objectives in sight. John Abusaid, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026 And while the share with mortgage debt was about the same, the median amount of that debt adjusted for inflation was larger. Jennifer Ludden, NPR, 7 Aug. 2026 Flights to the island are regularly canceled and workdays have been shortened to adjust to the new reality of a Cuba without power. Andrea Rodriguez, Fortune, 7 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for adjust
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adjust
Verb
  • In its goal of adapting local dishes to the essence of its menu, the team has gone all the way.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Since then, the Scottish Play—as it is often called in the theater world, to ward off bad luck—has been performed and adapted countless times, for stage and screen.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 3 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • The fit strikes the right balance between relaxed and tailored — not too baggy, not too fitted — while the raw hem adds a modern, lived-in finish.
    Jacquelyn McGilvray, PEOPLE, 6 Aug. 2026
  • The itinerary can be tailored to personal interests, whether that means diving deeper into shamanic traditions or following HUNTR/X’s culinary tour through the city.
    Rachel Chang, Travel + Leisure, 6 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Those figures conform to those generated this year by the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC), an advisory panel for Congress, which found that the subsidies reduced average Part D premiums by $26 a month last year and $16 this year.
    Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Tempur-Pedic’s proprietary material is a body-conforming foam the brand uses for their popular mattresses, toppers, and pillows.
    Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 4 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Willy Adames and Rafael Devers singled to start the fourth against Melton, putting runners at the corners.
    CBS News, CBS News, 10 Aug. 2026
  • As one University of Helsinki scholar of Chinese political economy put it, stablecoins can circulate beyond regulatory oversight, interfere with capital account management and complicate the central bank's control over settlement.
    Zennon Kapron, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Whether that means a grass-grazing train, a full and feminine skirt, or an easy breezy sheath, there’s a backyard wedding dress sure to suit your style.
    Rosie Jarman, Vogue, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Customers are encouraged to explore ingredients, ask questions and build routines that suit their own needs rather than following the latest trend.
    Kate Hardcastle, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Adjust.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adjust. Accessed 11 Aug. 2026.

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