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

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 rectify The quiet period is designed to ensure that mistakes don’t accidentally disenfranchise legitimate voters ahead of an election without an opportunity to rectify the error. Matthew Barakat, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2024 The United States must make a concerted effort to rectify its diplomatic shortcomings after decades of relative neglect. Charles Edel, Foreign Affairs, 10 Oct. 2024 Tavares has faced mounting pressure to rectify the automaker's North America operations, where a steep fall in sales and profit have triggered a steep drop in the company's share price. Shivansh Tiwary, Detroit Free Press, 9 Oct. 2024 Wilson and the president of the development company had built a relationship and money was offered to rectify the issue. Marco Rubio, Newsweek, 2 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for rectify 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rectify
Verb
  • The company has filed a preliminary proxy statement to amend its Certificate of Incorporation to extend the Termination Date, subject to stockholder approval.
    Quartz Bot, Quartz, 14 Nov. 2024
  • The resolution to amend the constitution faced no opposition from lawmakers when it was voted on in 2023.
    Caroline Beck, The Indianapolis Star, 6 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • It has also been updated to correct the length of Sheriff Dannels’ career to 40 years in law enforcement.
    David Culver, CNN, 21 Nov. 2024
  • This article was updated to correct the name of the Farmer's Dog.
    Matt Robison, Newsweek, 21 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • The challenge for Mercedes will be to finally remedy its struggles with its car under this generation of regulations.
    Luke Smith, The Athletic, 24 Nov. 2024
  • Irreparable harm ordinarily means a kind of harm that money damages can’t remedy.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 24 Nov. 2024

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Thesaurus Entries Near rectify

Cite this Entry

“Rectify.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rectify. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on rectify

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