Synonyms of adapt

adapt

verb

ə-ˈdapt 

as in to adjust

to change (something) so as to make it suitable for a new use or situation

it always takes freshmen a little while to adapt themselves to high school

Synonyms & Similar Words

• adjust
• tailor
• conform
• suit
• put
• shape
• edit
• customize
• accommodate
• prepare
• fit
• acclimate
• acclimatize
• condition
• modify
• transform
• match
• alter
• fashion
• convert
• readjust
• establish
• bend
• equip
• doctor
• tune
• revise
• readapt
• pattern
• correct
• model
• harmonize
• attune
• rework
• regulate
• orient
• ready
• redesign
• orientate
• familiarize
• reclaim
• gear
• recast
• remake
• accustom
• reinvent
• train
• root
• acquaint
• reengineer
• recycle
• harden
• habituate
• settle
• prime
• rehearse
• refocus
• fine-tune
• remodel
• refashion
• rig
• redevelop
• toughen
• revamp
• inure
• redo
• square
• season
• naturalize
• rejigger
• refit
• phase
• make over
• register
• refigure
• habilitate
• fiddle (with)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• misadjust

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

Recent Examples of adapt

Atlas toward pushing control boundaries and Optimus toward integration with production-line economics and perception stacks adapted from autonomous driving. —Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 7 Nov. 2025

The latest from Coixet, the highest-profile Catalan director at Tallinn, adapting a short story collection by Italy’s Michela Murgia, who died of cancer at 51. —John Hopewell, Variety, 7 Nov. 2025

Regular physical activity reduces inflammation, supports brain plasticity (the ability to adapt and create new or stronger neural connections), and improves memory, said Kaiser. —Jocelyn Solis-Moreira, Flow Space, 7 Nov. 2025

Then, the whole culture completely adapted to the horse. —Matt Alderton, USA Today, 7 Nov. 2025

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