Definition of adaptnext

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 One key to success has been to finally acknowledge the scale of the problem and adapt appropriately. Mehmet Oz, Boston Herald, 13 July 2026 The series, which marks the first time the story has been adapted for television, is reimagined by showrunner Mike Flanagan (Midnight Mass, The Haunting of Hill House). Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 13 July 2026 Rather than simply replicating the Kansas City model, organizers have spent months consulting with local leaders, venue managers and community organizers to adapt each event to local audiences. Kansas City Star, 13 July 2026 The first season adapts the events of the first book and sets up the potential for a second season based on the sequel, On The Banks of Plum Creek. Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 12 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for adapt
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adapt
Verb
  • Both players have adjusted well to professional baseball in recent months.
    Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 11 July 2026
  • As fresh visual information reaches the brain, these models are updated almost instantaneously, allowing movements to be adjusted before conscious awareness has caught up.
    Michelle Spear, Scientific American, 11 July 2026
Verb
  • In some cases, that includes building products to replace software that its engineers have to heavily tailor anyway.
    Daniela Sirtori, Fortune, 9 July 2026
  • The future of education is likely to be more tailored, more responsive, and more individualized.
    Lisa Schade, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026
Verb
  • The boot relies on a combination of stretch ripstop upper fabric, laces and centrally zippered overlay to provide a confident, foot-conforming fit.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 14 July 2026
  • In order to conform to swiftly evolving market demand, more landlords are prebuilding and furnishing spaces of from 2,000 to 14,000 square feet in size.
    Jeffrey Steele, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026
Verb
  • Erdoğan, who first took office in 2003, has spent the better part of a generation reconfiguring Turkey’s politics to suit his interests.
    Ishaan Tharoor, New Yorker, 9 July 2026
  • McKeeley believes Mueller is well-suited to lead the group during summer league.
    Amari Riley, Charlotte Observer, 9 July 2026
Verb
  • In his fifth-inning at-bat, Stephenson was on the other side of two successful challenges by Rutschman that put him down 1-2 in the count instead of up 3-0.
    C. Trent Rosecrans, New York Times, 6 July 2026
  • Go on, put the 131-cube (2,147 cc) monster engine into that one.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 6 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Adapt.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adapt. Accessed 15 Jul. 2026.

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