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 Choose one that gives you enough room to adapt, integrate and eventually build the workflow your business actually needs. Komninos Chatzipapas, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026 The Terminal List was adapted from the first of Carr’s five novels built around the character of Reece, played by Pratt. Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 17 Aug. 2026 Bloom will play Toinette in the comedy, adapted by Tony Award winner Bill Irwin, who will also star as the hypochondriacal Argan. Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 17 Aug. 2026 Paris, like the Acropolis, was not built for this weather, and has been slow to adapt. Eric Klinenberg, New Yorker, 17 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for adapt
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adapt
Verb
  • To be fair, like the other QBs, Allen is adjusting to a new scheme; none of the three delivered particularly sharp days.
    Charlotte Carroll, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026
  • After casting was completed, Menart spent a year working with the actors on developing their characters and adjusting the script accordingly.
    Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 15 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • But they were carefully tailored to appeal to specific groups, like families with young children.
    Natasha Chen, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2026
  • There are only a few public funders who do it, and even then, the process is arduous, and it’s not always tailored to brand new filmmakers.
    Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 13 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Joby has flown its first FAA-conforming aircraft and entered the final stage of type certification.
    Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 5 Aug. 2026
  • The key to it is to give these kids an opportunity in the summer to be with their peers and not have to conform to always having to do hard things.
    Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 5 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • There’s no single best small backpack, but there are some excellent options out there to suit people with a range of styles and preferences.
    BestReviews, Mercury News, 13 Aug. 2026
  • So, similarly to competitors like SoFi, ELFI is best suited for students with strong credit profiles or cosigners.
    Faith Wakefield, USA Today, 13 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • But others take issue with her premise the exercises are unnecessary, arguing that scaling them back puts US forces –– almost 30,000 of them stationed in South Korea and over 50,000 more in nearby Japan –– in a more dangerous situation.
    Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Paying it would inevitably put Meta Platforms in bankruptcy and perhaps put the company under state ownership.
    ABC News, ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Adapt.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adapt. Accessed 19 Aug. 2026.

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