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 Regardless of how Orlando adjusts its lineups and rotations without Wagner and Banchero — rookie Tristan da Silva returned to the starting lineup against Phoenix while third-year pro Caleb Houstan was first off the bench — its style of play won’t change under Mosley. Jason Beede, Orlando Sentinel, 9 Dec. 2024 Each player starts a round with 800 credits and a Ranger pistol, and the economy adjusts throughout the round based on eliminations and bomb plants/defusals. Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 9 Dec. 2024 Some of the time frames were adjusted after the government received public comment suggesting that the phaseout would take extra time in some industries. Jen Christensen, CNN, 9 Dec. 2024 Customers can adjust the size to fit their specific space requirements and choose from various wood finishes to match their decor. Molly Peck, USA TODAY, 29 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for adjust 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adjust
Verb
  • Housing-centric approaches that adapt communities and households to climate impacts, including comprehensive slum upgrading, are essential for climate actions and advancing sustainable development goals.
    Jonathan Reckford, TIME, 10 Dec. 2024
  • Even as employees increasingly demand more from their employers in terms of flexibility and compensation — and employers adapt to meet those demands — organizations are struggling with low employee satisfaction and high turnover rates.
    Talia Milgrom-Elcott, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • The company’s team, composed of experts in SEO, content creation, and digital marketing, ensures that clients receive specialized attention tailored to their industries and target demographics.
    Tyler Shepherd, USA TODAY, 14 Dec. 2024
  • To create an employee handbook easily, use online templates or platforms like SHRM or Workable, which offer customizable guides tailored to small businesses.
    Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • As the rigid contours gradually conform to your foot shape, these shoes get more and more comfortable over time.
    Samson McDougall, Verywell Health, 2 Dec. 2024
  • The representatives noted that the owner had full intentions to work with the city to conform to the community’s needs.
    Rachel Royster, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • The refusal to vacate has put the county in untested legal waters.
    Rebecca Ellis, Los Angeles Times, 18 Dec. 2024
  • After putting his 7-year-old niece in an upstairs bedroom, Corcoran loaded his semiautomatic rifle and fatally shot his brother, his brother's two friends and Turner.
    Joseph Dits, The Indianapolis Star, 18 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • And there were plenty of other pieces from the Silo 18 set that were transformed to suit the Silo 17 vibe.
    Mark Blankenship, IndieWire, 7 Dec. 2024
  • Candela launched a ferry in Stockholm this year that uses a hydrofoil system suited for electrification.
    Colleen Shalby, Los Angeles Times, 5 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near adjust

Cite this Entry

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

More from Merriam-Webster on adjust

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