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adjust

verb
ad·​just | \ ə-ˈjəst How to pronounce adjust (audio) \
adjusted; adjusting; adjusts

Definition of adjust

transitive verb

1a : to bring to a more satisfactory state:
(1) : settle, resolve ways of adjusting conflicts
(2) : rectify adjust an error
b : to make correspondent or conformable : adapt had to adjust our approach
c : to bring the parts of to a true or more effective relative position adjust a carburetor
2 : to reduce to a system : regulate
3 : to determine the amount to be paid under an insurance policy in settlement of (a loss)

intransitive verb

1 : to adapt or conform oneself (as to new conditions) adjust to the new regulations Our eyes gradually adjusted to the darkness.
2 : to achieve mental and behavioral balance between one's own needs and the demands of others
Other Words from adjust Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about adjust

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Other Words from adjust

adjustability \ -​ˌjəs-​tə-​ˈbi-​lə-​tē How to pronounce adjustability (audio) \ noun
adjustable \ -​ˈjəs-​tə-​bəl How to pronounce adjustable (audio) \ adjective
adjustive \ -​ˈjəs-​tiv How to pronounce adjustive (audio) \ adjective

Choose the Right Synonym for adjust

adapt, adjust, accommodate, conform, reconcile mean to bring one thing into correspondence with another. adapt implies a modification according to changing circumstances. adapted themselves to the warmer climate 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 accommodate may suggest yielding or compromising to effect a correspondence. accommodated his political beliefs in order to win conform applies to bringing into accordance with a pattern, example, or principle. refused to conform to society's values 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 of adjust in a Sentence

The car is easier to drive since the clutch was adjusted. I adjusted the volume on the radio. She adjusted the car seat so she could reach the pedals. Going to a new school can be difficult, but the kids will eventually adjust. It's hard to adjust myself to the idea that she's gone. He makes less money now, when you adjust for inflation, than he did 10 years ago.
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Recent Examples on the Web

 But the Bison have to adjust to playing without Ferriss, the MSL East Player of the Year in 2018. — Bob Narang, chicagotribune.com, "Pioneer Press 2019 girls volleyball preview: Mid-Suburban League," 16 Aug. 2019 Working deep down the left sideline, Cain had to adjust to a deep ball from Chad Kelly that was too far inside and a little short. — Joel A. Erickson, Indianapolis Star, "Colts camp observations: Rock Ya-Sin, Deon Cain light up shortened practice," 12 Aug. 2019 Rocko struggles to adjust to life in the 21st century after spending two decades in space. — Nina Zafar, Washington Post, "What to watch on TV tonight: ‘GLOW’ returns to Netflix for Season 3.," 9 Aug. 2019 My sense is that with a resource-rich player like Disney splashing in the pool, and with the company laser-focused on competitive pricing, everyone else is going to have to adjust accordingly. — Los Angeles Times, "Column: Bucking Pay-TV trend, Disney offers quality programming at a fair price," 8 Aug. 2019 The sitcom followed six friends living in Chicago faced with having to adjust their friendships after one pal left another at the altar. — Jodi Guglielmi, PEOPLE.com, "ABC President Teases 'Remote Possibility' of a Happy Endings Reboot: 'I'm Hearing Whispers'," 7 Aug. 2019 In early missions the submarine wouldn’t dive, so Wåhlin had to adjust its buoyancy. — Adam Rogers, WIRED, "A Submarine Goes Under a Failing Glacier to Gauge Rising Seas," 6 Aug. 2019 Beckham had to adjust by reaching back with one hand to catch it. — Scott Patsko, cleveland.com, "Browns training camp offensive report: Odell Beckham Jr. does a little of everything," 2 Aug. 2019 Harden and coach Mike D’Antoni have to adjust, too. — ExpressNews.com, "Russell Westbrook wants to bring a title to Rockets," 26 July 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'adjust.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of adjust

1611, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

History and Etymology for adjust

borrowed from French ajuster (earlier and Middle French also spelled adjuster), going back to Old French ajouster "to make comply with," from a- (going back to Latin ad- ad-) + -jouster, verbal derivative of juste "right, exact" — more at just entry 1

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More Definitions for adjust

adjust

verb
How to pronounce adjust (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of adjust

: to change (something) in a minor way so that it works better
: to change the position of (something)
: to change in order to work or do better in a new situation

See the full definition for adjust in the English Language Learners Dictionary

adjust

verb
ad·​just | \ ə-ˈjəst How to pronounce adjust (audio) \
adjusted; adjusting

Kids Definition of adjust

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