What does "reform" mean?
The change of something that is defective, broken, inefficient or otherwise negative, in order to correct or improve it
Reform
/ˌɹiːˈfɔɹm/ adj, noun, verb
adj, noun, verb ·Very common ·Middle school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: The change of something that is defective, broken, inefficient or otherwise negative, in order to correct or improve it
- Grammar: reform is listed as adj, noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: about face, about-face, accommodate, accommodation.
- Useful contrasts: depraved, political status quos, tainted.
- Usage evidence: The politician pushed for reform by denouncing the corruption of the government officials.
How to use "reform"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "reform" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "reform" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "reform" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "reform" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "reform" is acting as adj, noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "about face" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "reform", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 The change of something that is defective, broken, inefficient or otherwise negative, in order to correct or improve it countable, uncountable
"The elections need to undergo a serious reform."
- 2 a political movement/party
- 3 a change for the better as a result of correcting abuses wordnet
- 4 self-improvement in behavior or morals by abandoning some vice wordnet
- 5 a campaign aimed to correct abuses or malpractices wordnet
Verb
- 1 To put into a new and improved form or condition; to restore to a former good state, or bring from bad to good; to change from worse to better. transitive
"to reform a profligate man; to reform corrupt manners or morals; to reform a criminal"
- 2 change for the better wordnet
- 3 To return to a good state; to amend or correct one's own character or habits. intransitive
"It is hoped that many criminals, upon being freed, will eventually reform."
- 4 make changes for improvement in order to remove abuse and injustices wordnet
- 5 To form again or in a new configuration. intransitive, transitive
"This product contains reformed meat."
Show 4 more definitions
- 6 improve by alteration or correction of errors or defects and put into a better condition wordnet
- 7 break up the molecules of wordnet
- 8 produce by cracking wordnet
- 9 bring, lead, or force to abandon a wrong or evil course of life, conduct, and adopt a right one wordnet
Adjective
- 1 Of Reform Judaism, its tenets, or its adherents. not-comparable
Synonyms
All synonymsExample
"The politician pushed for reform by denouncing the corruption of the government officials."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "reform"?
Common synonyms include: about face, about-face, accommodate, accommodation, acculturate, adapt.
How do you use "reform" in a sentence?
The politician pushed for reform by denouncing the corruption of the government officials.
How do you pronounce "reform"?
Pronounced /ˌɹiːˈfɔɹm/.
Etymology
From Middle English reformen, from Old French reformer, from Latin reformo, reformare. As a noun since 1660s, from French réforme.