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 It was previously adapted into the 2012 Swedish film of the same name starring Tobias Zilliacus. Joe Otterson, Variety, 26 June 2025 As more organizations adapt to flexible work styles, understanding how to effectively present your case for remote work is crucial. Nancy Pulciano, Rolling Stone, 25 June 2025 Their looming decline represents a warning—and raises hard questions about how a seafood culture can adapt to a changing world. Boyce Upholt, Smithsonian Magazine, 25 June 2025 The book will be adapted for television by See-Saw’s label, Fanboy, run by executive producer Patrick Walters. Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 25 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for adapt
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adapt
Verb
  • The singer went backstage to adjust before finishing the rest of the show.
    Brittany Spanos, Rolling Stone, 26 June 2025
  • As the fireline is constructed, inspected or reinforced, mappers record those details to adjust the containment percentage.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 26 June 2025
Verb
  • For other carriers, that means the platform is already built to handle the pressure and complexity of national freight operations, and can be tailored to suit smaller businesses with minimal learning curves.
    Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 30 June 2025
  • This allows advertisers to tailor ads to your household, making your family’s online activities part of your digital profile.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 30 June 2025
Verb
  • On sale for $1,799 PlushBeds Botanical Bliss Organic Latex Mattress offers a combination of resilient support and conforming pressure relief.
    Nora Colomer may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom., FOXNews.com, 27 June 2025
  • Yet this efficiency revolution carries an uncomfortable irony: these same systems may systematically exclude unconventional candidates who don't conform to algorithmic patterns, potentially filtering out the very innovators and disruptors that drive organizational breakthroughs.
    Josipa Majic Predin, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025
Verb
  • The yacht is suited to both inshore and offshore jaunts, with preliminary testing indicating impressive velocity, balance, and control in all conditions.
    Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 23 June 2025
  • The Waterpik Aquarius has 10 pressure settings to suit various sensitivities.
    Alexis Berger, SELF, 23 June 2025
Verb
  • Haliburton put no weight on the leg and had his face wrapped in towels as he was taken to the Pacers’ locker room for evaluation.
    Tim Reynolds, Chicago Tribune, 23 June 2025
  • After going down 3-1 in the bottom of the second, Lindor hit the first of the trio of third-inning homers, with Nimmo and Soto following suit to put the Mets back on top, 4-3.
    Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 22 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Adapt.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adapt. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.

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