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 Will either require Teta adjusting his play style (not gonna happen) or Gyökeres needs to make significant changes in his play style to fit. Art De Roché, New York Times, 3 Apr. 2025 Chanel has had to adjust to the expectations of these younger workers, who demand higher salaries and more flexible working hours, Pavlovsky said. Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 2 Apr. 2025 For comparison, the F-22 cost about $150 million per unit (adjusted for inflation). Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 22 Mar. 2025 The administration has said that people who entered the U.S. through the humanitarian parole program will have any applications to adjust their status put on hold. Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 22 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for adjust
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adjust
Verb
  • Entrepreneurs who embrace curiosity, are willing to ask questions, to evolve, to adapt, to push boundaries, and to embrace new solutions, will be successful.
    Margot Machol Bisnow, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025
  • The shift was likely caused by adapting to a smaller landmass with less available food for the elephants.
    Riley Black, Smithsonian Magazine, 3 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Medications, vitamins and supplements are tailored to each person’s unique needs.
    Sandee LaMotte, CNN Money, 7 Apr. 2025
  • Some malls have survived by taking on new lives as entertainment and lifestyle hubs, and by tailoring themselves to fill specific niches.
    Jeremy Duda, Axios, 7 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Cognitive dissonance, motivated reasoning, and the pressure to conform are powerful psychological forces that can prevent people from accepting the truth.
    Hersh Shefrin, Forbes.com, 5 Apr. 2025
  • Major League Baseball confirmed that the bats in question conform to the league's maximum size rules and manufacturer regulations.
    Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Quality control is highly inconsistent, and customer service can be…frustrating, to put it nicely.
    Francesca Krempa, StyleCaster, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Plus, the act of putting a mask on in and of itself feels like peak self-care.
    Annie Blackman, Allure, 10 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The robots are particularly suited for joining assembly lines where humans have to do repetitive motions.
    CJ Haddad, CNBC, 31 Mar. 2025
  • Weigh the pros and cons of each option, to determine which one best suits your future needs.
    ESSENCE Lifestyle, Essence, 31 Mar. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Adjust.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adjust. Accessed 14 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on adjust

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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