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 Morale will need tweaking, budgets adjusting and a slew of new lunches will be scheduled. — Matt Donnelly, Variety, 16 Oct. 2026 Wider shipping disruptions While some operators remain willing to transit Hormuz, much of the global container shipping industry has already adjusted its networks to avoid the strait. — Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 16 Oct. 2026 As implementation requires less human effort, engineering roles will adjust. — Luis Aburto, Forbes.com, 16 Oct. 2026 The goal is to help participants navigate the practical challenges of returning to society — challenges that can include finding work, securing housing and rebuilding relationships while adjusting to life outside prison. — Brian Maass, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for adjust
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adjust
Verb
  • The movie, directed by Siân Heder and starring Daisy Edgar-Jones, adapts Gabrielle Zevin’s best-selling novel about game developers.
    — Davide Abbatescianni, Variety, 13 Oct. 2026
  • The ability to adapt to these pressures will play out differently across fashion’s market segments, Skrami said.
    — Jasmin Malik Chua, Footwear News, 12 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Jenni Kayne, which has been in business nearly 25 years, is known for its essentials such as sweaters, shirts, dresses, footwear and, more recently, tailored pants and skirts.
    — Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Dermatologists can tailor treatments, from over-the-counter creams to prescription medications; avoid picking pimples, which can worsen inflammation and increase scarring.
    — Adithi Ramakrishnan, Los Angeles Times, 13 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • While outlandish, most of the basic facts here conform to reporting about the real-life events.
    — Hayden Field, The Verge, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Mass popularity usually demands conformity, and this show didn’t conform.
    — Maura Judkis, Washington Post, 7 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • The blaze sparked evacuation orders for the Encinal Canyon area near Trancas Canyon and put a larger swath of Malibu under an evacuation warning.
    — Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026
  • The Rays need a win here to tie up the series, and the Guardians want a win to put Tampa Bay’s back against the wall.
    — OutKick, FOXNews.com, 16 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • On a blistering surprise EP, Deafheaven find the vicious attack and grandiose drama of symphonic black metal perfectly suited to their purposes.
    — Patrick Lyons, Pitchfork, 13 Oct. 2026
  • That’s precisely the work AI is best suited to automate, not the work that justifies a marketing department.
    — Richard Freisberg, Forbes.com, 13 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Adjust.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adjust. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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