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 She’s used to female characters who refuse to adapt to societal norms. Marta Balaga, Variety, 18 July 2025 The capsule's reconfigurable design means that doctors can adapt it to monitor new biomarkers as medical science advances. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 18 July 2025 Coates in addition to adapting and directing, also produced. Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 18 July 2025 Bound For Glory was adapted into a feature film from the 2020 short film of the same name, which was made during the COVID-19 pandemic. Lexi Carson, HollywoodReporter, 18 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for adapt
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adapt
Verb
  • As the fireline is constructed, inspected or reinforced, mappers record those details to adjust the containment percentage.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 21 July 2025
  • That plan was ripped up and adjusted to a 4-4-1, with Minge back in defence.
    Michael Cox, New York Times, 20 July 2025
Verb
  • Instead of aiming for Pinterest perfection, focus first on storing things to be accessible and tailored to your lifestyle.
    Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 July 2025
  • Brutal bareknuckle fighting returns on Saturday night with BKFC 78 Hollywood: Perdomo vs. Adams, in an event tailored to the most hardcore of fight fans.
    Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 July 2025
Verb
  • All must conform to rules governing how to behave and treat customers.
    Mike Hendricks, Kansas City Star, 17 July 2025
  • The adolescent is stuck between showing his or her anger openly with the ‘Rebellious Child’ and being conforming to authority with the ‘Conforming Child’ ego state.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
Verb
  • This transition can unlock a range of operational and commercial advantages uniquely suited to commercial fleets.
    Yu Fang, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
  • Davis is a magnetic front man, and the Roadhouse Band is an intoxicatingly raucous live outfit, but the constraints of the setup suited his new material, which is suffused with listlessness and yearning, dark jokes and wordy disquisitions on desire.
    Amanda Petrusich, New Yorker, 14 July 2025
Verb
  • Cayley put her deposit down in February and traveled to Turkey in May.
    Hedy Phillips, People.com, 15 July 2025
  • But the 2025 grades put Brookshire Elementary School in Winter Park in an uncomfortable spotlight.
    Zoey Thomas, The Orlando Sentinel, 15 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Adapt.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adapt. Accessed 26 Jul. 2025.

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