ADAPT Synonyms: 78 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

adapt

verb

ə-ˈdapt

Definition of adapt next

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

Relevance

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

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 At the same time, Barbancourt underscores the enduring relevance of traditional methods, adapted through a unique Haitian lens. —

Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 17 May 2026 Kazan adapted the story for Netflix and serves as an executive producer on the series. —

Tommy McArdle, PEOPLE, 17 May 2026 Michael has adapted the script in a way that totally pays homage to Hemingway’s style, while lifting the story from book to screen in a fresh and exhilarating way. —

Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 16 May 2026 This year, Cannes brings him back once more, out of competition, with Visitation, adapted from Jenny Erpenbeck’s novel Heimsuchung. —

Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 16 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for adapt

Recent Examples of Synonyms for adapt

Verb

The brand is also realistic about breaking in new shoes—especially ones with orthotic features—and recommends only wearing these for a couple of hours for the first few days so that your feet can adjust.

— Jessie Quinn, StyleCaster, 15 May 2026
The strap can be adjusted to your liking, ranging from 16 to 29 inches at its longest.

— Claire West, PEOPLE, 15 May 2026