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 Prices adjust in real time as new information enters the market, with liquidity, passive flows and leverage accelerating both upward and downward moves. Stephen Richards Evans, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026 Those whose income is above a certain level (adjusted each year for inflation) are technically not able to contribute to a Roth IRA, though there is the workaround of the backdoor Roth IRA. Becca Stanek, TheWeek, 12 June 2026 Click on any of the bubbles to see a complete list of the transactions that make up this category, and adjust any of the transactions to fit into a different category if that better suits your budgeting style. Amy Deyoung, USA Today, 12 June 2026 More complicated maneuvers can be completed by adjusting the tension on the lines or by running forward and backward. Bestreviews, Mercury News, 12 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for adjust
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adjust
Verb
  • Britain has increasingly toughened its approach to tech companies in recent years, urging or forcing them to impose age verification, adapt their algorithms and, most recently, prevent children from circulating nude images taken on mobile phones.
    Reuters, CNN Money, 15 June 2026
  • The needs of religious consumers were changing, and church leaders scrambled to adapt.
    Michael Luo, New Yorker, 14 June 2026
Verb
  • Here, the relaxation of the mind is just as much of a priority as the joy of indulgence, and spaces are tailored to ensure each has their moment to flourish.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 June 2026
  • But if they’re tailored specifically for the African-American community then there should be no problem with it.
    Rafael Perez, Oc Register, 10 June 2026
Verb
  • Related Stories Yip, reflecting on a career spanning 45 years, spoke about the pressure to conform to industry expectations early on.
    Marcus Lim, Variety, 15 June 2026
  • Union experts are still studying the documents, which do not conform to Italian standards, and could not verify their origins.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 13 June 2026
Verb
  • The president’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act created a large new deduction for seniors, which put a major dent in one of Social Security’s major revenue sources — the income taxes on benefits paid by higher-income beneficiaries.
    Ben Ritz, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026
  • Reinforced with a silicone grip and soft-sided boning, this strapless bra stays put.
    BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 11 June 2026
Verb
  • The app is best suited for people who want actionable insights and automation rather than a highly detailed budgeting system.
    Nick Perry, USA Today, 9 June 2026
  • Our selections include linen pants with drawstring and elastic waistbands, well-suited for casual occasions where comfort is key.
    ABC News, ABC News, 9 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Adjust.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adjust. Accessed 16 Jun. 2026.

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