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Meaning & use

tweaks

noun, verb·Everydayinformal

Last updated

UK/twiːks/
US/twiːks/

“tweaks” is a form of “tweak”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.

Meanings

  1. nounpluralinformal

    Small changes made to improve something slightly.

    Grammar: Plural of 'tweak'; often follows 'a few', 'some' or 'minor'.

    Patterns

    • tweaks to something
    • make tweaks to something

    The designer made a few tweaks to the logo before printing it.

    With some small tweaks, your essay will be much clearer.

    The update includes minor tweaks to the menu layout.

  2. verbtransitiveinformal

    Changes something slightly, usually to make it work or look better (third person singular of 'tweak').

    Grammar: Takes an object and a singular subject: she tweaks the recipe.

    Patterns

    • someone tweaks something

    She tweaks the recipe every time she cooks it.

    The coach tweaks the lineup before each game.

    He tweaks the settings until the photo looks right.

  3. verbtransitive

    Pinches or pulls something sharply with a quick twist, such as a nose or a cheek (third person singular).

    Grammar: Takes a body part as object: he tweaks her cheek.

    Patterns

    • tweaks someone's cheek

    Grandpa tweaks the baby's cheek whenever he visits.

    My uncle tweaks my nose as a joke.

Common combinations

minor tweaks
The plan needs only minor tweaks.
a few tweaks
Give me a few tweaks and it will be perfect.
last-minute tweaks
The team made last-minute tweaks to the speech.
software tweaks
Software tweaks fixed the slow loading time.
tweaks to the recipe
Small tweaks to the recipe made the soup taste richer.

Synonyms and how they differ

adjustments
This is more neutral and formal, and may suggest correcting a problem.
modifications
This is more formal and can describe bigger or more official changes than 'tweaks'.
refinements
This implies careful improvement toward a better final result.
fixes
This means correcting something broken, while tweaks improve something that already works.

Opposites

overhauls

Word family

tweak noun
a small change or adjustment
tweak verb
to change something slightly
tweaked adjective
slightly adjusted or improved
tweaking noun
the process of making small changes

Commonly confused: tweaks or tweeks? tweaks or twinks?

tweaks vs tweeks

This is a misspelling; the correct spelling is 'tweaks', with 'ea'.

tweaks vs twinks

This is an unrelated slang word, so avoid it when you mean 'small changes'.

Practice

The cake was nearly perfect; it only needed a couple of small ____.

Make it your own

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