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 Trading volume and liquidity have similar effects in this regard, as these factors can influence how smoothly prices can adjust. Ethan Stone, IndyStar, 30 Jan. 2026 Secure loose outdoor items and adjust plans as necessary so you're not caught outside. Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 30 Jan. 2026 Some of those accommodations include blocking off sections of the property for noise-sensitive guests, providing black-out curtains for light-sensitive customers, offering larger shower benches with handheld levers, and even adjusting the presentation of food and beverage options. Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 30 Jan. 2026 But other professors, perhaps concluding that resistance is futile, are adjusting to the media their students grew up on. Rose Horowitch, The Atlantic, 30 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for adjust
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adjust
Verb
  • The series, which was adapted from Liz Moore's novel of the same name, centers on Seyfried's Mickey, a police officer who works in the Philadelphia neighborhood of Kensington at the height of the opioid crisis.
    Brenton Blanchet, PEOPLE, 12 Jan. 2026
  • These are the ones most likely to be adapted for crowd monitoring throughout cities.
    Emma Bussey, FOXNews.com, 12 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • But while each guest’s menu is tailored to their needs, the overall ethos is about letting the fresh ingredients do most of the work.
    Annie Daly, SELF, 28 Jan. 2026
  • Experiences Beyond dining and sleeping, Fowlescombe offers daily experiences tailored to each stay—such as farm tours, yoga in the greenhouse, breadmaking, floristry, foraging walks or stargazing–designed to deepen connection with the land and the rhythms of the season.
    Joanne Shurvell, Forbes.com, 28 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • The official investigators of the deaths during the infamous riot were under intense and explicit pressure to conform their testimony to an official, state-exonerating narrative.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 27 Jan. 2026
  • Why the Deadline Was Extended Again Although the particular provisions were temporary and, in many cases, optional, plans and IRA providers that implemented them are required to adopt conforming amendments to their governing documents.
    Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 26 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Rieder’s comments put him within the then-consensus among economists and even Fed officials who believed inflation would not become a persistent problem.
    Matt Egan, CNN Money, 30 Jan. 2026
  • Collections and designers put their best foot forward, delivering high-caliber collections — some were uplifting, others were thought-provoking, most were both.
    Laure Guilbault, Vogue, 30 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • It’s particularly suited to tasks that involve mountains of documents and technical verbiage.
    Allie Garfinkle, Fortune, 27 Jan. 2026
  • The Evergreen is a non-towable tiny house that would suit small living enthusiasts who want to put down some roots and enjoy more space and flexibility.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 26 Jan. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Adjust.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adjust. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.

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!