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
• accommodate
• customize
• 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
• gear
• recast
• reclaim
• remake
• accustom
• reinvent
• train
• root
• acquaint
• reengineer
• recycle
• harden
• habituate
• prime
• settle
• 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

Before Iamaleava took that hit, Chesney already had adapted to the loss of starting receiver Landon Ellis, who went down early in the third quarter. — Marisa Ingemi, Los Angeles Times, 6 Sep. 2026

Companies are adapting their approach to suit local conditions. — ABC News, 6 Sep. 2026

Leaving behind the 1996–2000 era of clunky plastic telephones with long cords and no internet, Scream 4 adapts to the times and introduces cell phones, webcams, laptops, and social media. — Michael Lee Simpson, Entertainment Weekly, 5 Sep. 2026

Additionally, its Vibram Megagrip outsole is made with deep grooves that adapt to different terrain to offer customized support. — Jasmine Gomez, Travel + Leisure, 5 Sep. 2026

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