The phrase “making things right” is commonly used to refer to the act of correcting a mistake, restoring fairness, or bringing a situation back into balance. It’s often used in both personal and professional contexts where something has gone wrong and action is needed to resolve the issue. Whether it’s mending a broken relationship, fixing an error at work, or repairing damage in any form, the goal is the same—taking responsibility and implementing a solution that restores harmony or justice.
Although the expression is familiar and clear, there are many other phrases that can be used depending on tone, formality, and the nature of the situation. From emotionally driven language to precise professional terminology, these alternatives allow for richer and more nuanced communication. This article presents 25 of the most useful alternatives to “making things right,” each with example sentences, explanations of meaning, and usage contexts to help you broaden your vocabulary and refine your expression.
Other Ways to Say “Making Things Right”
1. Rectify
Example: “He took immediate steps to rectify the mistake in the report.”
Meaning: To correct or fix something that has gone wrong, especially an error or issue.
Usage: Common in professional and technical settings, especially when referring to processes, documents, or systems.
2. Amend
Example: “The company amended its policies to align with new regulations.”
Meaning: To make formal changes or improvements, particularly to written documents, plans, or laws.
Usage: Frequently used in legal or corporate contexts where corrections are made officially.
3. Resolve
Example: “They worked together to resolve the misunderstanding.”
Meaning: To find a solution to a conflict or problem, often through discussion or negotiation.
Usage: Appropriate for both personal disputes and workplace issues requiring collaborative problem-solving.
4. Atone
Example: “He tried to atone for his mistake by volunteering extra hours.”
Meaning: To make amends for a wrong or offense, often involving personal remorse and corrective action.
Usage: Carries a deeper emotional or moral weight, typically used in serious or heartfelt situations.
5. Reconcile
Example: “After years of silence, the siblings finally reconciled.”
Meaning: To restore friendly relations after a conflict or disagreement.
Usage: Most often used in interpersonal contexts where repairing emotional bonds is the focus.
6. Compensate
Example: “The airline compensated the passengers for the long delay.”
Meaning: To offer something (money, services, or gestures) to make up for loss, damage, or inconvenience.
Usage: Widely used in business or service-related contexts where financial restitution is involved.
7. Redress
Example: “The victims sought redress through the court system.”
Meaning: To set right a wrong, especially through legal or official channels.
Usage: Common in formal or legal discussions, especially when justice or compensation is involved.
8. Restore
Example: “The government aimed to restore public trust after the scandal.”
Meaning: To bring something back to its original state, especially trust, peace, or order.
Usage: Used when referring to relationships, systems, or reputations that need to be rebuilt or repaired.
9. Mend
Example: “He made an effort to mend his broken friendship.”
Meaning: To repair something that has been damaged—often relationships or emotional wounds.
Usage: Especially effective in personal or emotional situations where healing is the focus.
10. Correct
Example: “She corrected her mistake before submitting the assignment.”
Meaning: To fix an error or make something accurate.
Usage: Straightforward and suitable in academic, professional, and casual settings.
11. Repair
Example: “The team worked hard to repair the system failure.”
Meaning: To fix something broken or damaged, whether physical or metaphorical.
Usage: Applicable in technical, mechanical, or emotional contexts.
12. Make Amends
Example: “He apologized and tried to make amends with his friend.”
Meaning: To show remorse and take action to make up for a wrongdoing.
Usage: Frequently used in moral or relational contexts, indicating personal responsibility.
13. Settle
Example: “They settled the dispute through mutual agreement.”
Meaning: To resolve or conclude a disagreement or issue, usually by finding common ground.
Usage: Appropriate for both informal conflicts and formal negotiations.
14. Clear the Air
Example: “They had a long conversation to clear the air after the argument.”
Meaning: To address and eliminate misunderstandings or tension.
Usage: Often used in conversational or interpersonal contexts where open communication is key.
15. Smooth Things Over
Example: “She brought coffee and a kind smile to smooth things over after the disagreement.”
Meaning: To reduce tension or conflict by making gestures that ease the situation.
Usage: Common in informal or personal situations where relationships need softening rather than formal correction.
16. Apologize
Example: “He apologized for his harsh words during the meeting.”
Meaning: To express remorse for a mistake or offense.
Usage: A direct and universally understood action, appropriate in all contexts where responsibility is acknowledged.
17. Recompense
Example: “The company offered a free upgrade to recompense for the inconvenience.”
Meaning: To repay or compensate, often in a formal or old-fashioned tone.
Usage: Seen in legal, financial, or literary contexts when referencing fair restitution.
18. Undo the Damage
Example: “She tried to undo the damage by explaining her intentions clearly.”
Meaning: To reverse or lessen the negative effects of a previous action.
Usage: Suitable in both personal and professional contexts, especially when emphasizing effort to fix the impact.
19. Address the Issue
Example: “The manager addressed the issue immediately to prevent escalation.”
Meaning: To confront or deal with a problem directly and responsibly.
Usage: Effective in formal or professional scenarios requiring accountability.
20. Fix the Problem
Example: “The technician fixed the problem before the deadline.”
Meaning: A straightforward way to say something has been resolved or corrected.
Usage: Very common in everyday speech and practical situations.
21. Put Things Right
Example: “He admitted his error and worked hard to put things right.”
Meaning: To correct a wrong and restore balance.
Usage: Flexible across emotional, moral, or logistical problems.
22. Re-establish Trust
Example: “She took small steps over time to re-establish trust with her team.”
Meaning: To gradually rebuild confidence after it has been broken.
Usage: Typically used in emotional or relationship-based settings, especially after betrayal or disappointment.
23. Take Responsibility
Example: “He took full responsibility for the failed project.”
Meaning: To admit fault and commit to corrective action.
Usage: Suitable for formal and personal settings where integrity is essential.
24. Make Peace
Example: “They decided to make peace after years of resentment.”
Meaning: To end conflict and seek harmony.
Usage: Common in personal or social contexts where reconciliation is the focus.
25. Patch Things Up
Example: “The couple patched things up after a long talk.”
Meaning: To mend or repair a strained relationship or situation.
Usage: Informal but powerful in emotional and interpersonal discussions.
When to Use Different “Making Things Right” Alternatives
In Personal or Emotional Contexts
When dealing with relationships, hurt feelings, or misunderstandings, expressions like make amends, apologize, patch things up, or clear the air allow for emotional depth and vulnerability. These alternatives are helpful when acknowledging responsibility in a compassionate and human-centered way.
In Legal or Formal Contexts
When precision, legality, or formality is important, options like amend, redress, recompense, or take responsibility carry the weight and clarity needed. These words indicate official actions or ethical correction with authority.
In Professional or Workplace Situations
For meetings, corporate communication, or team collaboration, choices such as address the issue, resolve, fix the problem, or rectify show initiative, accountability, and a solution-oriented mindset without being overly emotional or casual.
Conclusion
While “making things right” is a widely understood and commonly used phrase, the rich variety of alternatives available allows for a far more precise and impactful expression of responsibility, correction, and reconciliation. Whether you are aiming for emotional nuance, professional credibility, or legal clarity, using the right alternative can make your communication more effective and appropriate to the context. Developing a diverse vocabulary around the concept of resolution and justice helps you navigate a range of situations with greater thoughtfulness and intention.
FAQs
What does “making things right” mean?
“Making things right” refers to correcting a wrong, resolving a problem, or restoring fairness in a situation that has gone off track, whether emotionally, ethically, or practically.
Is “making things right” formal or informal?
The phrase is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though alternatives like “rectify” or “redress” might sound more formal.
What are some emotional alternatives to “making things right”?
Terms like “make amends,” “apologize,” “patch things up,” and “make peace” are ideal when dealing with emotional or interpersonal matters.
Are there legal or formal equivalents of this phrase?
Yes, words such as “amend,” “redress,” “recompense,” and “take responsibility” are more suitable for formal, legal, or ethical discussions.
Can these expressions be used interchangeably?
Some can, but context matters. For example, “reconcile” might suit a personal relationship, while “rectify” fits better with correcting data or documents.
