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 Coaches must schedule water breaks and adjust outside activity when the heat is extreme. Michael Swartzon, Miami Herald, 28 Aug. 2026 Clarify one commitment, adjust a meeting if needed, and choose steady support over social noise or obligation. Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Aug. 2026 The women’s collection spans low-rise jeans, high-rise bootcut jeans and baggy jeans with side waist tabs to adjust rise and eliminate waist gapping. Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 28 Aug. 2026 Al-Deek says relief can come from a few different directions — hormone replacement therapy, switching to a different antidepressant, adjusting your dose or tapering off the medication altogether. Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for adjust
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adjust
Verb
  • Critics also questioned whether UCLA’s athletic department had adapted quickly enough to the NIL era.
    Ira Gorawara, New York Times, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Over the years, Marco Polo has adapted to the neighborhood’s changing demographics by downplaying its old-world Italian extravagance.
    Rachel Corbett, Curbed, 31 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • The investment ideas are tailored to these specific strategies and could differ from the investment bank's fundamental ratings.
    Deena Zaidi, CNBC, 2 Sep. 2026
  • It is tailored to their story with each stone chosen for a reason and a design that was made for her.
    Footwear News, Footwear News, 2 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • The key lesson for personal branding is to embrace distinctiveness, substance, and a unique voice, rather than conforming to generic professionalism.
    William Arruda, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Perovskites, meanwhile, offer the possibility of lightweight and potentially flexible solar layers that could conform to roofs, hoods and other body panels.
    Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 28 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Costco is an awkward exhibit for putting shareholder-value maximization in the driver’s seat.
    Steve Denning, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Espada is paid to put it in favorable positions, even when few seem to exist.
    Chandler Rome, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • In the wake of Antonio Silva’s move to the Premier League, Benfica should suit Circati, who is also comfortable moving the ball forward through adventurous carries and long passes from defence.
    Thom Harris, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Tom Marchitelli blazed a unique trail in his rise to suiting mostly NFL superstars as a founder, designer and stylist for custom menswear brand Gentleman’s Playbook.
    Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 3 Sep. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Adjust.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adjust. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster