REFORM Synonyms: 109 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'reform' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of reform are amend , correct , emend , rectify , redress , remedy , and revise . While all these words mean "to make right what is wrong," reform implies drastic change. // plans to reform the court system

Q: How does the word 'amend' relate to other synonyms for 'reform'?

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

Q: When is it sensible to use 'correct' instead of 'reform'?

The meanings of correct and reform largely overlap; however, correct implies taking action to remove errors, faults, deviations, defects. // correct your spelling

Q: Where would 'emend' be a reasonable alternative to 'reform'?

Although the words emend and reform have much in common, emend specifically implies correction of a text or manuscript. // emend a text

Q: When is 'rectify' a more appropriate choice than 'reform'?

While in some cases nearly identical to reform , rectify implies a more essential changing to make something right, just, or properly controlled or directed. // rectify a misguided policy

Q: When would 'redress' be a good substitute for 'reform'?

The words redress and reform are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, redress implies making compensation or reparation for an unfairness, injustice, or imbalance. // redress past social injustices

Q: When can 'remedy' be used instead of 'reform'?

While the synonyms remedy and reform are close in meaning, remedy implies removing or making harmless a cause of trouble, harm, or evil. // set out to remedy the evils of the world

Q: When might 'revise' be a better fit than 'reform'?

The synonyms revise and reform are sometimes interchangeable, but revise suggests a careful examination of something and the making of necessary changes. // revise the schedule

reform 1 of 2

noun

Definition of reform next

as in amendment

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

reform

2 of 2

verb

ri-ˈfȯrm

as in to rehabilitate

to make better in behavior or character volunteers at a sanctuary that tries to reform dogs with behavior problems

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to improve

to change one's behavior or character for the better a man who's been trying to reform ever since he got fired for missing too many days of work

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to amend

to remove errors, defects, deficiencies, or deviations from he had better reform his ways if he wants any of us to trust him

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb reform differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of reform are amend, correct, emend, rectify, redress, remedy, and revise. While all these words mean "to make right what is wrong," reform implies drastic change.

plans to reform the court system

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

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

amend a law

When is it sensible to use correct instead of reform?

The meanings of correct and reform largely overlap; however, correct implies taking action to remove errors, faults, deviations, defects.

correct your spelling

Where would emend be a reasonable alternative to reform?

Although the words emend and reform have much in common, emend specifically implies correction of a text or manuscript.

emend a text

When is rectify a more appropriate choice than reform?

While in some cases nearly identical to reform, rectify implies a more essential changing to make something right, just, or properly controlled or directed.

rectify a misguided policy

When would redress be a good substitute for reform?

The words redress and reform are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, redress implies making compensation or reparation for an unfairness, injustice, or imbalance.

redress past social injustices

When can remedy be used instead of reform?

While the synonyms remedy and reform are close in meaning, remedy implies removing or making harmless a cause of trouble, harm, or evil.

set out to remedy the evils of the world

When might revise be a better fit than reform?

The synonyms revise and reform are sometimes interchangeable, but revise suggests a careful examination of something and the making of necessary changes.

revise the schedule

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 reform

Noun

Some industry groups are hoping for immigration reform as the new administration takes shape. —

Kate Rogers, CNBC, 9 Dec. 2024 One thing that is absolutely clear is that the Pentagon needs reform. —

CBS News, 8 Dec. 2024

Verb

Rather than pouring more money into child care, the government should be looking for ways to reform the regulations that cause costs to rise. —

Anna Claire Flowers, National Review, 5 Dec. 2024 Without broad political backing, substantive changes, such as eliminating entire federal departments or reforming entitlements, are unlikely to find the critical mass of support needed to pass legislation. —

James Broughel, Forbes, 4 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for reform

Recent Examples of Synonyms for reform

Noun

In 2012 when a woman was raped and murdered on a bus, the nation was outraged and after a massive wave of protests there were some amendments to rape laws.

Esha Mitra, CNN, 30 Nov. 2024
Next, the Australian House of Representatives must endorse the amendments made in the Senate, but this step is considered a mere formality, per AP.

Ivana Saric, Axios, 28 Nov. 2024