reform 1 of 2

verb

ri-ˈfȯrm How to pronounce reform (audio)
Definition of reformnext
1
as in to rehabilitate
to make better in behavior or character volunteers at a sanctuary that tries to reform dogs with behavior problems

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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

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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

reform

2 of 2

noun

as in amendment

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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
In Mexico, President Claudia Sheinbaum has faced an increasingly stagnant economy and backlash over a controversial judicial reform. —Miami Herald, 18 July 2025 Long-term solutions are likely to require broad economic reforms targeting housing affordability, job security and childcare support. —Jordan King, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 July 2025
Noun
Additionally, his administration regulated lobbyists, enacted stronger provisions against corrupt practices, implemented environmental measures, and reformed Wisconsin's tax system to be more equitable, nearly doubling the amount paid by railroads. —Time, 16 July 2025 Corey Husak, who directs tax policy at the liberal Center for American Progress, listed off more incremental policies, including reforming and raising the estate tax, ending various preferential treatments of business income, and changing how capital gains are taxed. —Kyle Khan-Mullins, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for reform
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reform
  1. rehabilitate
  2. improve
  3. amend
  4. amendment
  5. redeem
  6. better
  7. correct
  8. revision
Verb
  • Community Action and Human Services is merging with Juvenile Services, which helps rehabilitate youthful offenders.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 12 July 2025
  • These concentrations increased as Mexico worked to rehabilitate a major pipeline that is supposed to divert wastewater from the Tijuana River to treatment plants on both sides of the border.
    — Tammy Murga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 July 2025
Definition of rehabilitate
Verb
  • The ban aims to improve academic achievement, reduce cyberbullying, and minimize classroom disruptions.
    — Ruby Grisin, The Courier-Journal, 26 July 2025
  • As southerly winds are forecast to return over the weekend, state officials anticipated that smoke may be pushed farther north, allowing air quality to improve gradually in majority of the state.
    — Anna Skinner, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 July 2025
Definition of improve
Verb
  • Boerner said there were negotiations with the Senate on how to proceed, and the bill was amended.
    — ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 22 July 2025
  • The law expires at the end of 2025, and there’s no sign of it being amended to cover 2026 and later recoveries.
    — Robert W. Wood, Forbes.com, 22 July 2025
Definition of amend
Noun
  • That goal, however, is complicated by a constitutional amendment that requires an independent commission to lead the process.
    — Leah Askarinam, Chicago Tribune, 26 July 2025
  • Like the League of Women Voters, Protect AR Rights is also proposing a constitutional amendment aiming to protect Arkansans' right to petition.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 24 July 2025
Definition of amendment
Verb
  • Customers ordering online can redeem their Krispy Kreme birthday celebration treat by using the code BDAY at checkout.
    — Rachel Flynn, People.com, 15 July 2025
  • Bet on any of the eight contestants to redeem your reward.
    — Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 July 2025
Definition of redeem
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
Definition of better
Verb
  • This means Single-bit errors are automatically corrected in hardware and Double-bit errors are detected and flagged, but not corrected.
    — ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 14 July 2025
  • The video has been taken down, corrected, and re-uploaded to our page.
    — Peter Aitken, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 July 2025
Definition of correct
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
Definition of revision

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 29 Jul. 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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