reform 1 of 2

noun

Definition of reformnext
as in amendment

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

reform

2 of 2

verb

ri-ˈfȯrm How to pronounce reform (audio)
1
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
2
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
3
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

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 reform
Noun
Democrats’ pursuit of Section 230 reform has largely revolved around holding tech companies responsible for the harms their platforms allegedly cause users, including kids and teenagers. —Miranda Nazzaro, The Hill, 2 Apr. 2025 Many gatherings emphasize the push for cannabis legalization and reform. —Matt Rozo, Mercury News, 1 Apr. 2025
Verb
Periodic attempts to reform Social Security have failed for lack of public support. —Avery Lotz, Axios, 25 Mar. 2025 What To Know Murphy said there's bipartisan support to reform Medicare based on the actions of insurance companies like UnitedHealthcare. —Kevin Sabet, Newsweek, 24 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for reform
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reform
  1. amendment
  2. rehabilitate
  3. improve
  4. amend
  5. revision
  6. redeem
  7. better
  8. correct
Noun
  • That limits debate and only gives opponents until April 2 to submit amendments.
    — Jon McGowan, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025
  • House lawmakers Friday approved amendments to House Bill 96, which allows government entities to display only certain flags, such as the official Idaho, U.S. and state flags.
    — Carolyn Komatsoulis, Idaho Statesman, 28 Mar. 2025
Definition of amendment
Verb
  • Given Boeing's past missteps and problems, the flying public deserves to hear what changes are being made to rehabilitate the company's tarnished reputation.
    — Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2025
  • Flashback: In 1989, the Fremont Arts Council launched a public art contest to rehabilitate the area under the bridge using neighborhood matching funds from the city.
    — Christine Clarridge, Axios, 25 Mar. 2025
Definition of rehabilitate
Verb
  • The medications can offer benefits for people with type 2 diabetes, such as improving glycemic control, insulin activity, curbing post-meal blood sugar spikes, and protecting the heart and kidneys, Basina said.
    — Julia Ries, Health, 9 Apr. 2025
  • The stylus on the new Moto G Stylus has also improved.
    — Sarah Lord, PC Magazine, 8 Apr. 2025
Definition of improve
Verb
  • Indeed, Macmillan and Ostermeier keep on eye on current events and amend their script as and when significant news emerges.
    — Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 4 Apr. 2025
  • The judge is allowing the plaintiffs to amend their complaint.
    — Lexi Lonas Cochran, The Hill, 4 Apr. 2025
Definition of amend
Noun
  • There were some sizable revisions however, with both January and February seeing downward revisions totaling 48,000 fewer jobs than were originally reported.
    — JJ Kinahan, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
  • Another late revision to the canon came in the form of a video shot by David LaChapelle that made the references more clear.
    — Shana Naomi Krochmal, Vulture, 4 Apr. 2025
Definition of revision
Verb
  • Raise your status to redeem better bonuses and discounts for traveling. NHL fans can find a Hat Trick Jackpot.
    — Gordon G. Chang, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Customers may redeem a free Ben & Jerry's scoop of their choice, cone included, at any participating Ben & Jerry's Scoop Shop on Free Cone Day.
    — Amaris Encinas, USA Today, 8 Apr. 2025
Definition of redeem
Verb
  • Tucked away after a swarm of students asked him tons of questions on his career to better their own, Chavarria, a CFDA Award-winning designer, reflected on his childhood, which is where his love of fashion was born.
    — Essence, Essence, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Only one team in Europe’s top four leagues, Bilbao’s Athletic Club (six), can better them.
    — Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2025
Definition of better
Verb
  • This story has been corrected to show the name of the residents' group is Eaton Fire Residents United, not Eaton Fire Residents Unite.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 11 Apr. 2025
  • Both things were handled during and throughout the boot camp, and Ray was correcting us.
    — Simon Thompson, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of correct

Browse Nearby Words

refocusing
reform
reformable
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Cite this Entry

“Reform.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reform. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on reform

Nglish: Translation of reform for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about reform

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