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 Crews has swiftly adjusted from mid-major to high-major play. Andy Theobald, Kansas City Star, 20 Mar. 2025 This is a threshold amount adjusted annually for inflation (currently $64,000 in 2025). Virginia La Torre Jeker, J.d., Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025 Fourth quarter prices fall, rates rise Home list prices fell slightly (-4%) in the fourth quarter, after adjusting for inflation. Nerdwallet, Orange County Register, 10 Mar. 2025 The smaller stores are one aspect of CVS’ turnaround plans, which have also included more than 1,000 store closures and thousands of layoffs, as the chain looks to adjust in an industry currently undergoing an upheaval. Jordan Valinsky, CNN, 10 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for adjust
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adjust
Verb
  • Not adapting fast enough One of the fastest ways to fall behind in a recession is refusing to pivot when the market shifts.
    Melissa Houston, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2025
  • Lunar update While Williams and Wilmore offered new insights into how humans can adapt to life in an extraterrestrial habitat, another pivotal mission helped pave the way for astronauts to venture deeper into space.
    Jackie Wattles, CNN, 22 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • For years, this was achieved at the expense of privacy, with cookies and other tracking mechanisms mining personal data to tailor ads.
    Mike Villalobos, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025
  • The first is to tailor rapid rearmament to the idea of sending a large military force to Ukraine to guarantee a peace settlement and if necessary fight Russia there.
    Anatol Lieven, TIME, 14 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Such policies may compel Muslim employees to choose between adhering to their religious values or conforming to professional standards that do not reflect their cultural and religious identity, potentially leading to perceptions of unprofessionalism.
    Aparna Rae, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025
  • More importantly, Lara wants women to embrace their bodies’ natural processes rather than feel pressured to conform to societal expectations or follow conventional paths that don’t seem to be working in their favor.
    Allison Palmer, Sacramento Bee, 28 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Yemeni coffeehouses put an emphasis on the aesthetics of the space.
    Hira Qureshi, Bon Appétit, 18 Mar. 2025
  • This time, Lowe was in his front yard, putting his kids in the car with his parents.
    Raechal Shewfelt, EW.com, 18 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Gaga’s powerful delivery propels the track forward, but in the second verse, the production contracts to suit Ariana’s gentle coo.
    Kristen S. Hé, Vulture, 19 Mar. 2025
  • To juxtapose the silhouette, wear them with suiting, denim, dresses, and silk.
    Cortne Bonilla, Vogue, 19 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Adjust.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adjust. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on adjust

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