Synonyms of rectify

rectify

verb

ˈrek-tə-ˌfī 

as in to amend

to remove errors, defects, deficiencies, or deviations from

let me get the store manager, and he'll rectify the invoice for your order

Synonyms & Similar Words

• amend
• correct
• remedy
• reform
• rewrite
• change
• improve
• repair
• emend
• modify
• revise
• redress
• debug
• ameliorate
• adjust
• right
• rework
• fix
• red-pencil
• better
• shorten
• perfect
• regulate
• alter
• redraw
• polish
• redraft
• cut
• modulate
• restyle
• blue-pencil
• mend
• touch up

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• hurt
• impair
• harm
• damage
• injure
• spoil
• mar
• aggravate
• worsen

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb rectify differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of rectify are amend, correct, emend, redress, reform, remedy, and revise. While all these words mean "to make right what is wrong," rectify implies a more essential changing to make something right, just, or properly controlled or directed.

rectify a misguided policy

How does the word amend relate to other synonyms for rectify?

Amend, reform, and revise imply an improving by making corrective changes, amend usually suggesting slight changes.

amend a law

When can correct be used instead of rectify?

While the synonyms correct and rectify are close in meaning, correct implies taking action to remove errors, faults, deviations, defects.

correct your spelling

Where would emend be a reasonable alternative to rectify?

The words emend and rectify are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, emend specifically implies correction of a text or manuscript.

emend a text

When is it sensible to use redress instead of rectify?

The meanings of redress and rectify largely overlap; however, redress implies making compensation or reparation for an unfairness, injustice, or imbalance.

redress past social injustices

When might reform be a better fit than rectify?

In some situations, the words reform and rectify are roughly equivalent. However, reform implies drastic change.

plans to reform the court system

When would remedy be a good substitute for rectify?

The synonyms remedy and rectify are sometimes interchangeable, but remedy implies removing or making harmless a cause of trouble, harm, or evil.

set out to remedy the evils of the world

When could revise be used to replace rectify?

While in some cases nearly identical to rectify, revise suggests a careful examination of something and the making of necessary changes.

revise the schedule

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of rectify

The Biden administration also created the OEA and several other initiatives to help analyze and rectify discrimination in the delivery of health care, benefits and other services. —Vernal Coleman, ProPublica, 11 Mar. 2025

On Wednesday, a trio of California lawmakers sought to rectify that issue by introducing two bills intended to amplify the governor’s proposal. —Katie Kilkenny, The Hollywood Reporter, 27 Feb. 2025

Cadden warned that owners could fight back by recalling board members or voting in new members who would refuse to rectify the long-term repair issues. —Ron Hurtibise, Sun Sentinel, 8 Mar. 2025

Duquette, who has lived in the Bay for over 20 years, met Ghazi in 2023 and found a kindred spirit determined to rectify the negative perceptions held by outsiders. —Dan Rys, Billboard, 11 Feb. 2025

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