reform 1 of 2

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

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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

reform

2 of 2

noun

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
Verb
The Legislature could also coalesce around reforms to the Cannabis Control Commission. Chris Van Buskirk, Boston Herald, 6 July 2025 Following reforms made by former President Joe Biden, more than a million people had tens of billions of dollars in loans forgiven. Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 5 July 2025
Noun
Grant is quick to acknowledge how his own behavior as a customer was reformed by his temporary fall from the laptop class. Casey Cep, New Yorker, 28 June 2025 Congress has its own ideas about how to reform FEMA. Rebecca Hersher, NPR, 26 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for reform
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reform
Verb
  • The chances of Combs’ image itself being significantly rehabilitated seems slim, given that violent, abusive behavior was caught on camera and aired to millions of people around the world.
    Ethan Millman, HollywoodReporter, 3 July 2025
  • More to come: Findlay Flats and Grant Park Nearly a dozen historic buildings across Vine and Elder Streets near the new community center will be rehabilitated into 45 mixed-income apartments.
    Sydney Franklin, The Enquirer, 3 July 2025
Verb
  • Hays has long served as an advocate for improving the health outcomes of children who are born with rare genetic conditions.
    arkansasonline.com, arkansasonline.com, 13 July 2025
  • Observe and report to armed security Scott Keller, who in December took on the role of the Plaza’s general manager, said the new ownership group began working to improve security soon after the Plaza was purchased.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 13 July 2025
Verb
  • The agreement will automatically renew through June unless the parties amend it sooner.
    Nicholas Sullivan, Charlotte Observer, 9 July 2025
  • Already, some of the challengers to Mr. Trump's birthright citizenship policy have amended or filed new lawsuits as class-actions.
    Melissa Quinn July 9, CBS News, 9 July 2025
Noun
  • The plaintiffs want a declaratory judgment that the 2020 comprehensive plan amendment approval and rezoning be voided by the court, according to the lawsuit.
    Erik S. Hanley, jsonline.com, 14 July 2025
  • The state’s General Assembly would have to pass that amendment before a vote.
    Sam McDowell Updated July 14, Kansas City Star, 14 July 2025
Verb
  • This promo from Caesars Sportsbook is easy to redeem.
    Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 July 2025
  • And once a company goes public, users can redeem their tokens for the market equivalent in a stablecoin.
    Tor Constantino, Forbes.com, 3 July 2025
Verb
  • The performance, which bettered Wilson’s former U18 best of 44.20 from last year at the Holloway Pro Classic, moved the rising high school senior and Olympic gold medalist to No. 4 in the world at the distance.
    Cory Mull, Forbes.com, 13 July 2025
  • Research has shown that expressing gratitude provides many health benefits including reducing depression, improving self-esteem, bettering sleep, lowering blood pressure and an increased sense of happiness and well-being.
    Rafael James, Sun Sentinel, 24 June 2025
Verb
  • Rework alone—correcting things that have simply been done wrong—accounts for 12% of the cost of projects, on average.
    Kathleen Kewley, Forbes.com, 4 July 2025
  • The firm removes the product from the market or corrects the violation.
    Marley Malenfant, Austin American Statesman, 3 July 2025
Noun
  • Additions, revisions, delays and special punitive actions have been added on a near daily basis.
    Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 13 July 2025
  • The editorial process sometimes involves suggesting revisions and then working with the writer to come up with the strongest possible draft.
    Deborah Treisman, New Yorker, 11 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Reform.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reform. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.

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