rectify

[rek-tuh-fahy] / ˈrɛk təˌfaɪ /

VERB

correct a situation; make something right

Synonyms

STRONGEST

amend fix improve redress remedy straighten out

STRONG

adjust debug doctor emend launder mend reform remediate repair revise right scrub square

WEAK

clean up clean up act dial back fix up go over make good make up for pay one's dues pick up put right recalibrate shape up straighten up turn things around

Antonyms

STRONGEST

corrupt harm hurt injure worsen

STRONG

break destroy ruin upset

WEAK

damage

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The April CPI was supposed to rectify the problem.

From MarketWatch • May 12, 2026

"It's something that we're working really hard in Wales to rectify," she said.

From BBC • Apr. 17, 2026

Buffalo attempted to rectify the situation by tanking for high draft picks.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 15, 2026

His ideas of trying to rectify the distortions in the transport market make sense to me, too.

From Barron's • Apr. 7, 2026

This last bit was something I thought I could rectify.

From "Becoming" by Michelle Obama

Vocabulary lists containing rectify

Grade 9, List 1

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Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka (1954)

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Hatchet

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