Definition of adjustnext

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 In fact, Henson has adjusted rather quickly to the rhythms and the rigors of performing live. Juliana Ukiomogbe, Vogue, 24 Apr. 2026 The Air Rower delivers a powerful combination of cardio and strength training, dynamically adjusting to your effort while tracking speed, distance, time and calories. Tory Johnson, ABC News, 24 Apr. 2026 Filming is continuing, with the schedule adjusted to focus on the rest of the cast and accomodate the time needed for White to do rewrites and for HBO to get a new actress on board. Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 24 Apr. 2026 Yet the fortune generated by Silicon Valley in the past few decades has exceeded the value of all the gold discovered during the first California boom 200 times over, even adjusted for inflation. Theo Baker, The Atlantic, 24 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for adjust
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adjust
Verb
  • In Manatee County, where leaders had hoped to adapt their comprehensive plan to guard against the storms that have battered the coast year after year, the same Legislature has declared that strengthening it is unlawful.
    Haley Busch, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 Apr. 2026
  • Households with resources will find other ways to adapt — through private upgrades, newer homes, or alternative energy options.
    Ed Gaskin, Boston Herald, 26 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Readers should not rely solely on the content of this article and are encouraged to seek professional advice tailored to their specific circumstances.
    Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2026
  • It is now being tailored to meet XPANCEO’s smart lens requirements.
    Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 29 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The point was to conform language to lies, to narrow the range of thought, to obscure the truth, and, over time, to get people to believe in illusions.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 27 Apr. 2026
  • At that time, the owners, and the development team committed to file a conforming site plan application within one year of the approval, which deadline the Zoning Board extended in March 2025 to November 5, 2025.
    Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 25 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The Spurs led for the entire game and led by as many as 28 points to put the series away on Tuesday.
    Dan Santaromita, New York Times, 1 May 2026
  • More willing to put the collective goal of winning a title above all else.
    Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 1 May 2026
Verb
  • There is a pool and connecting rooms are available; however, the clientele tends to be slightly older on average, and families with young children might be better suited to another beach resort, where more amenities and kid-friendly programming are available.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Apr. 2026
  • Instead, it has been fully integrated into the practice’s comprehensive refractive program, allowing surgeons to match each patient with the procedure best suited to their anatomy and visual goals.
    Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Adjust.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adjust. Accessed 1 May. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on adjust

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

More from Merriam-Webster