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 Kayla Bartkowski / Getty Images The budget resolution directs congressional committees to craft their own proposals to hit spending targets, increasing or decreasing funding by adjusting programs and policies that fall under their purview. Kaia Hubbard, CBS News, 26 Feb. 2025 The Bills’ scouting department and coaching staff will adjust, but any single opponent is a moving target. Tim Graham, The Athletic, 14 Feb. 2025 The sales totals are adjusted for seasonality but not inflation for a month, in which prices rose 0.5%. Jeff Cox, CNBC, 14 Feb. 2025 He also is getting adjusted to the birth of his first child, Emma. Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 14 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for adjust
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adjust
Verb
  • This could result from machine-learning algorithms adapting to prevalent language patterns, leading to unexpected transcriptions.
    Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report, Fox News, 26 Feb. 2025
  • Spanish filmmaker Gerardo Herrero has previously adapted the work for a 2023 comedic film.
    DeMicia Inman, VIBE.com, 26 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • With enough space for an open kitchen, living room, dining area, and even a small bathroom, the fully customizable cabin kit can be tailored to any layout.
    Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 2 Mar. 2025
  • Sunny Health and Fitness Exercise Bike, $160 with coupon $200 $160 at Amazon No matter your fitness level, the bike can be tailored to achieve a low-impact cardio workout suited for your needs.
    Maggie Horton, People.com, 1 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • This order serves only two purposes: to score partisan political points in a manufactured culture war and to purge the military of those who don’t conform to MAGA ideology.
    Johnny Weixler, The Denver Post, 24 Feb. 2025
  • Fear of retaliation, social conditioning, and the pressure to conform make speaking up difficult.
    Rodger Dean Duncan, Forbes, 18 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • But taking a hostile approach with President Donald Trump now could put federal aid for the disaster at risk.
    Stephen Hobbs, Sacramento Bee, 6 Mar. 2025
  • The decision would put the refugees on track for deportation, even though the Ukrainians entered the country legally during former President Biden’s term, Reuters reported.
    Joseph Wilkinson, New York Daily News, 6 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Every element from layout to materials and finishes has been carefully considered to suit the needs and desires of guests, while inspired by the surrounding woodlands.
    Joanne Shurvell, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025
  • Simmons purchased two under-construction units for around $14 million in summer 2023 and then combined and customized them to suit his personal needs, according to The Wall Street Journal.
    Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 6 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Adjust.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adjust. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on adjust

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