Synonym Chooser

How does the verb adapt contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of adapt are accommodate, adjust, conform, and reconcile. While all these words mean "to bring one thing into correspondence with another," adapt implies a modification according to changing circumstances.

adapted themselves to the warmer climate

Where would accommodate be a reasonable alternative to adapt?

The synonyms accommodate and adapt are sometimes interchangeable, but accommodate may suggest yielding or compromising to effect a correspondence.

accommodated his political beliefs in order to win

When can adjust be used instead of adapt?

The meanings of adjust and adapt largely overlap; however, adjust suggests bringing into a close and exact correspondence or harmony such as exists between parts of a mechanism.

adjusted the budget to allow for inflation

In what contexts can conform take the place of adapt?

In some situations, the words conform and adapt are roughly equivalent. However, conform applies to bringing into accordance with a pattern, example, or principle.

refused to conform to society's values

When is it sensible to use reconcile instead of adapt?

While in some cases nearly identical to adapt, reconcile implies the demonstration of the underlying compatibility of things that seem to be incompatible.

tried to reconcile what he said with what I knew

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 adapt Plotting all those passes onto the pitch may look a little messy at first glance but the maps below help underline how Pedri’s positional flexibility, adapting his game to the defensive approach of each opposing team, allows Barcelona to keep moving forward. Thom Harris, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2025 Mochi learned to adapt to Bortner's new lifestyle during recovery, as their walks were slower and shorter. Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 26 Apr. 2025 These batteries also allow the grid to adapt faster to changing energy needs, like when a factory shuts down or when a new data center powers up. Umair Irfan, Wired News, 26 Apr. 2025 She is best known for the Empyrean fantasy book series, which will be adapted into a television series with Amazon. Nate Jackson, Los Angeles Times, 26 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for adapt
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adapt
Verb
  • As the fireline is constructed, inspected or reinforced, mappers record those details to adjust the containment percentage.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 27 Apr. 2025
  • Why Milwaukee could win: Friday night, the Bucks adjusted.
    Hannah Vanbiber, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Lead Sensei, through its lending division, Lead Sensei Capital, offers turnkey financing solutions tailored for small businesses.
    Jon Stojan, USA Today, 1 May 2025
  • Stack, on the other hand, was more tailored, more fitted in red.
    Essence, Essence, 1 May 2025
Verb
  • The pressure to conform or compromise is real, but staying true to your principles creates a foundation for lasting trust and meaningful success.
    Aslak de Silva, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025
  • There is a vast tide of Imperial functionaries, from soldiers to bureaucrats to technicians, all conforming to survive the predations of the Emperor’s whims.
    Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 23 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • In the Respectability section, more traditional takes on suiting.
    Laird Borrelli-Persson, Vogue, 4 May 2025
  • Their excellent form vindicates a pragmatic approach from Conte, who has adapted the team to suit the strengths of the players who came in late last summer.
    Ahmed Walid, New York Times, 2 May 2025
Verb
  • The Television Academy is more willing to come through for those types of films, putting Netflix in strong standing.
    Marcus Jones, IndieWire, 5 May 2025
  • That puts even greater pressure on MSNBC to keep apace once the spinoff is complete.
    Ted Johnson, Deadline, 5 May 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Adapt.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adapt. Accessed 11 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on adapt

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!