REFORM Synonyms: 109 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'reform' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of reform are amend , correct , emend , rectify , redress , remedy , and revise . While all these words mean "to make right what is wrong," reform implies drastic change. // plans to reform the court system

Q: How does the word 'amend' relate to other synonyms for 'reform'?

Amend , reform , and revise imply an improving by making corrective changes, amend usually suggesting slight changes. // amend a law

Q: When is it sensible to use 'correct' instead of 'reform'?

The meanings of correct and reform largely overlap; however, correct implies taking action to remove errors, faults, deviations, defects. // correct your spelling

Q: Where would 'emend' be a reasonable alternative to 'reform'?

Although the words emend and reform have much in common, emend specifically implies correction of a text or manuscript. // emend a text

Q: When is 'rectify' a more appropriate choice than 'reform'?

While in some cases nearly identical to reform , rectify implies a more essential changing to make something right, just, or properly controlled or directed. // rectify a misguided policy

Q: When would 'redress' be a good substitute for 'reform'?

The words redress and reform are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, redress implies making compensation or reparation for an unfairness, injustice, or imbalance. // redress past social injustices

Q: When can 'remedy' be used instead of 'reform'?

While the synonyms remedy and reform are close in meaning, remedy implies removing or making harmless a cause of trouble, harm, or evil. // set out to remedy the evils of the world

Q: When might 'revise' be a better fit than 'reform'?

The synonyms revise and reform are sometimes interchangeable, but revise suggests a careful examination of something and the making of necessary changes. // revise the schedule

reform 1 of 2

noun

Definition of reform

as in amendment

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Dissimilar Words

reform

2 of 2

verb

ri-ˈfȯrm

as in to rehabilitate

to make better in behavior or character volunteers at a sanctuary that tries to reform dogs with behavior problems

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to improve

to change one's behavior or character for the better a man who's been trying to reform ever since he got fired for missing too many days of work

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to amend

to remove errors, defects, deficiencies, or deviations from he had better reform his ways if he wants any of us to trust him

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb reform differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of reform are amend, correct, emend, rectify, redress, remedy, and revise. While all these words mean "to make right what is wrong," reform implies drastic change.

plans to reform the court system

How does the word amend relate to other synonyms for reform?

Amend, reform, and revise imply an improving by making corrective changes, amend usually suggesting slight changes.

amend a law

When is it sensible to use correct instead of reform?

The meanings of correct and reform largely overlap; however, correct implies taking action to remove errors, faults, deviations, defects.

correct your spelling

Where would emend be a reasonable alternative to reform?

Although the words emend and reform have much in common, emend specifically implies correction of a text or manuscript.

emend a text

When is rectify a more appropriate choice than reform?

While in some cases nearly identical to reform, rectify implies a more essential changing to make something right, just, or properly controlled or directed.

rectify a misguided policy

When would redress be a good substitute for reform?

The words redress and reform are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, redress implies making compensation or reparation for an unfairness, injustice, or imbalance.

redress past social injustices

When can remedy be used instead of reform?

While the synonyms remedy and reform are close in meaning, remedy implies removing or making harmless a cause of trouble, harm, or evil.

set out to remedy the evils of the world

When might revise be a better fit than reform?

The synonyms revise and reform are sometimes interchangeable, but revise suggests a careful examination of something and the making of necessary changes.

revise the schedule

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 reform

Noun

Schwarzenegger applauded Newsom for requiring the Legislature to pass a California Environmental Quality Act reform bill last year in exchange for signing the budget. — Lia Russell, Sacbee.com, 15 Oct. 2026 The momentum behind this reform reflects a growing trend across Latin America. — Mauricio Savarese, Fortune, 15 Oct. 2026

Verb

But in more recent years, as state and national politics grew consumed by concerns over the cost of living, California Democrats have divided over whether and how much CEQA must be reformed. — Andrew Graham, Sacbee.com, 12 Oct. 2026 In addition to easing federal regulations, the bill also encourages states and cities to reform their land-use rules, which would mark a significant change in the federalist system with respect to city planning. — Zach Halaschak, The Washington Examiner, 5 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for reform

Recent Examples of Synonyms for reform

Noun

The amendment would make no practical change to how North Carolinians vote, said Marcus Gadson, an associate professor of law at the UNC School of Government.

— Nick Sullivan, Charlotte Observer, 16 Oct. 2026
For calendar-year companies, that means the 2026 audit is the first audit subject to those amendments.

— Jacqueline DeStefano-Tangorra, Forbes.com, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of amendment

Verb

In her experience, the criminal justice system doesn’t do nearly enough to rehabilitate the incarcerated and address the underlying issues, often based in trauma, that lead people to commit crimes.

— Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Oct. 2026
As of Saturday, the ministry said, more than 270 wild animals in Indonesia's part of Borneo had been rescued, rehabilitated or guided to safer habitats, including 46 orangutans rescued by YIARI.

— ABC News, ABC News, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of rehabilitate

Verb

The company is reviewing costs, operations, and portfolio of brands to improve performance.

— Diane Brady, Fortune, 14 Oct. 2026
But Hall and Woodford, in separate contributions, set about improving the Keynesian model to take into account how consumers and businesses actually make decisions about whether to invest and spend.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of improve

Verb

State law allows cities of Roseville’s size to establish council salaries of $2,550 per month, although the city’s charter must be amended by voters before the new compensation rules can take effect.

— Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 14 Oct. 2026
Vaccaro filed for divorce in April last year and amended her divorce petition to include the domestic violence allegations.

— Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of amend

Noun

The judge concluded that the revisions did not eliminate the constitutional controversy surrounding the city’s public-participation rules.

— Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 16 Oct. 2026
The Election Commission and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration deny the allegations and say the revision is intended to remove duplicate and ineligible entries.

— ABC News, ABC News, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of revision

Verb

Citi's travel rewards program is officially called Citi ThankYou® Rewards, and ThankYou® Points can be redeemed for cash back, gift cards, merchandise, travel, transfers to travel programs and more.

— Jason Stauffer, CNBC, 15 Oct. 2026
Every wager on theScore Bet earns PENN Play Rewards that can be redeemed for bonus bets or turned into real-world perks at PENN properties.

— OutKick, FOXNews.com, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of redeem

Verb

Thompson continued to make his case that years in Congress give him the experience and influence needed to better the district.

— Mathew Miranda, Sacbee.com, 8 Oct. 2026
His hopes for The Situation is to better the experience of other disadvantaged creatives climbing the ranks today.

— Joe Bobowicz, Vogue, 26 Sep. 2026

Definition of better

Verb

Persist toward Ithaca, but be prepared to correct your course as the winds and circumstances change.

— Jeff DeGraff, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2026
Every hour spent sorting candidates, interviewing, onboarding, correcting course and starting over is time not spent leading the business.

— Kenzie Biggins, Forbes.com, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of correct

Browse Nearby Words

refocusing

reform

reformable

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Style

“Reform.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reform. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of reform

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verb

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Synonyms of reform

noun

verb

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