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 But, as time drew on, Cola grew in confidence and learned how to adapt to life on two legs. Jack Beresford, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Sep. 2025 They were adapted from existing internal combustion engine platforms, with the electric powertrains shoehorned inside. Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 12 Sep. 2025 Despite challenges, Walters emphasizes the importance of adapting and experiencing new things. Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 12 Sep. 2025 The book was adapted into movies in 1932, 1977 and 1996. Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 12 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for adapt
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adapt
Verb
  • By integrating tariff data with sales performance, market trends, and regulatory frameworks, Rensi can pinpoint inefficiencies, detect policy misalignments, and recommend corrective actions—ranging from renegotiating supplier terms to adjusting pricing strategies.
    Nish Acharya, Forbes.com, 12 Sep. 2025
  • That’s because congressional pay for rank-and-file members hasn’t been adjusted since 2009.
    David Mark, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • That includes a subdivision map dividing the property into six lots and a request to replace the current zoning with a custom zoning plan tailored to The Village.
    Mona Darwish, Oc Register, 13 Sep. 2025
  • These meal plans are made with human-grade ingredients and tailored to your pup’s unique dietary needs and preferences.
    Kasey Caminiti, USA Today, 12 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Women are gaining ground not by conforming to traditional leadership norms but by reshaping them.
    Roger Sands, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
  • The memory foam conforms to your head to relieve pressure, and the cooling case helps with temperature.
    Nora Colomer may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom., FOXNews.com, 11 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Available in a few different wood tones, upholstery colors, and with or without storage drawers, this bed frame can easily suit a number of design styles and aesthetics.
    Erika Owen, Architectural Digest, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Soldiers can select modular components suited to their mission.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 10 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • But Karl Maybach’s greatest contribution to the wonders of European civilization were his enormously powerful diesel engines that gave birth to the very first high-speed trains of Europe, emphatically putting steam trains out of business.
    Mark Ewing, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2025
  • Studies put misread rates between 10% and 35%, depending on conditions.
    Jennifer Jolly, USA Today, 14 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Adapt.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adapt. Accessed 15 Sep. 2025.

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