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 Now living on their acreage in Oregon’s wine country, Beverly has adapted to her new surroundings. Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025 By considering the varied needs of different users, Ausom designs its scooters to adapt to a range of real-world scenarios—whether for daily commuting, longer-distance travel, or occasional recreational use. Matt Emma, USA Today, 24 Oct. 2025 Boss Fight also worked on its Netflix Stories games, which also took IP and adapted them into interactive entertainment. Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 24 Oct. 2025 The offense has adapted by throwing more passes to tailback De’Von Achane. Omar Kelly october 24, Miami Herald, 24 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for adapt
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adapt
Verb
  • The research team also underlined that adjusting dimple sizes can make the fabric perform better in certain wind speeds by reducing drag by up to 20%, according to the researchers’ experiments using a wind tunnel.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 31 Oct. 2025
  • The heat delivery rate can be controlled by adjusting the air flow.
    IEEE Spectrum, IEEE Spectrum, 30 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The exhibition design, specifically tailored to the museum, was curated by Guicciardini & Magni Architetti in collaboration with Arianna Sarti, museum exhibition manager.
    Andrea Onate, Footwear News, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Chairman Atkins noted that the processes should ensure that the SEC seeks to impose penalties and other relief that are appropriately tailored to the misconduct at issue, within statutory limitations, and without adding further to shareholder injury.
    Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Add a breast cancer diagnosis—with its potential surgeries, scars and treatment side effects—and the pressure to conform to outdated beauty standards can feel disheartening.
    Tabitha Britt, Flow Space, 30 Oct. 2025
  • That was a clear issue in New Hampshire, which was unable to change its date to conform to the DNC’s 2024 calendar amid resistance from top Republican leaders in the state.
    Caroline Vakil, The Hill, 27 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Vinicius Jr also thrived in the Italian’s counter-attacking tactical setup, which was designed at least in part to suit his pace and direct running, and delivered the club’s two most recent Champions League trophies in 2022 and 2024.
    Dermot Corrigan, New York Times, 31 Oct. 2025
  • That suits its otherworldly and somewhat formal tone, which takes viewers deep into Japan’s mythical past for a quartet of eerie tales about lonely ghosts and vengeful spirits who bring supernatural justice to selfish and immoral humans.
    Katie Rife, Entertainment Weekly, 30 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • China has been building the world’s largest navy, launching high-tech warships at a frenetic pace under the leadership of Xi Jinping, putting pressure on the United States and its Pacific allies to keep pace.
    Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 26 Oct. 2025
  • In addition to Hermitage Farm, Laura Lee Brown and Wilson, who also founded the 21c Museum Hotel chain, have put more than 2,400 acres of land in agriculture conservation easements in Oldham County.
    Maggie Menderski, Louisville Courier Journal, 26 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Adapt.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adapt. Accessed 5 Nov. 2025.

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