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

Examples 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 Tender Moments • Joel is still very much adjusting to living with Brad. Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 10 Nov. 2024 Remember that the soup stock will be a bit salty when adjusting the topping. Claudia Alexander, The Mercury News, 7 Nov. 2024 To follow best practices in A/B testing, start with hypotheses about changes that might drive conversions, such as adjusting product page layouts or testing different headlines for Black Friday deals. John Readman, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024 While Election Day, which falls on Tuesday, November 5 this year, is not a federal holiday, many companies adjust their hours so that employees have time to cast their ballots. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for adjust 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adjust
Verb
  • Children and adolescents are not miniature adults, and not all young people will adapt to a strength training program the same way.
    Discover Magazine, Discover Magazine, 15 Nov. 2024
  • Despite Murray’s insufficient scoring game on a night the Nuggets probably needed more from their second option, Adelman was happy with how Murray adapted to New Orleans’ gameplan, blitzing him on ball screens all night.
    Bennett Durando, The Denver Post, 15 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • With mobile marketing, brands and advertisers must recognize the diversity of generational audiences and tailor their strategies to connect with each group.
    Boris Abaev, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
  • This method not only makes the practice more affordable and accessible, but also offers a personalized experience tailored to the unique aspirations of each individual.
    David Faris, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • Legislation to address Illinois’ Tier II pension benefits to conform with Social Security limits has been discussed for months.
    Greg Bishop | The Center Square, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 1 Nov. 2024
  • Even disagreement, properly structured and received, can give rise to unconventional options too easily overlooked when all conform to the dominant view.
    Jonathan H. Westover, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024
Verb
  • The fact that China tolerated open criticism of North Korea’s leadership put further strain on the relationship between the two governments.
    Sungmin Cho, Foreign Affairs, 12 Nov. 2024
  • Pearsall’s first career touchdown had put the 49ers ahead 7-0, once a replay confirmed Pearsall’s 46-yard catch-and-run.
    Cam Inman, The Mercury News, 10 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • The cigars pair with high-end spirits such as Macallan single malt whiskeys and Louis XIII cognac, which are suited to each guest’s tastes and delivered to the mega-suites.
    Melinda Sheckells, The Hollywood Reporter, 5 Nov. 2024
  • Different classes of fire extinguishers are suited for different types of fires and situations.
    Kamron Sanders, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Nov. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near adjust

Cite this Entry

“Adjust.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adjust. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on adjust

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