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 Purple Rain, the musical adapted from Prince’s 1984 feature film and Grammy-winning album of the same name, is coming to Broadway in 2027. Patrick Hipes, Deadline, 27 July 2026 The property is also free of any conservation easements, giving considerable flexibility to expand or adapt portions of the ranch. Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 27 July 2026 The flexible floor plan can be adapted for different kinds of events and programming, from an intimate dinner for ten to a birthday blowout for forty. Sean Santiago, Vogue, 27 July 2026 The plan also aligns with the City Council’s 2025-27 Strategic Plan and is designed to adapt as economic conditions change. Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 27 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for adapt
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adapt
Verb
  • Museums can use data to manage traffic by adjusting opening hours and providing navigational aids, but digital tools also enable subtler interventions.
    Mureji Fatunde-Iloeje, ArsTechnica, 25 July 2026
  • Ultra-fast responsiveness and a broad adjustment range, capable of adjusting damping force in less than 10 milliseconds.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 25 July 2026
Verb
  • Open-weight systems can be deployed on sovereign infrastructure, audited for security, tailored to mission requirements, and maintained independently of any commercial provider’s priorities.
    James Marks, Fortune, 23 July 2026
  • Beyond starting more treatments earlier, doctors can increasingly tailor therapy to the biology of an individual man’s cancer.
    Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt, CNN Money, 23 July 2026
Verb
  • These include completing the Critical Design Review (CDR) by the end of 2026, which will establish the certifiable design baseline for the aircraft and enable the production and testing of certification-conforming models.
    Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 18 July 2026
  • Pressure on talent to aesthetically conform used to arise quietly, behind the scenes, from agents, managers and others within the system.
    James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 15 July 2026
Verb
  • As the day progresses, executive function naturally dips, making late afternoon better suited for collaborative alignment.
    Luciana Paulise, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026
  • The set includes two chairs, two loveseats, and a coffee table that can be arranged to suit your setup.
    Better Homes & Gardens, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 July 2026
Verb
  • Supporters highlight the other types of revenue data centers bring in and credit the incentive with helping Texas become a leader in the industry, but opponents say the tax break is unnecessary and puts business over people.
    Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 July 2026
  • Willow pinned Thekla and Skye Blue put Thekla’s foot on the rope.
    Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Adapt.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adapt. Accessed 29 Jul. 2026.

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