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 The couple, now preparing to welcome their first baby, are excited to see how the space will soften further, adapting to tiny feet and a little more chaos. —

Aditi Sharma, Architectural Digest, 13 June 2026 The body adapts to the daily dose, blunting caffeine’s impact on blood pressure, mental alertness and exercise performance. —

Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 13 June 2026 The favourites for the tournament include Spain, France, Argentina and, yes, England; but much will depend on how well squads adapt to the stifling heat, games at high altitude, and having to play across four different time zones. —

The Week Uk, TheWeek, 13 June 2026 Neil Hayes, a former Bay Area sportswriter whose best-selling book about De La Salle High School’s football program was adapted into a blockbuster movie, passed away Wednesday night at his Illinois home after a decades-long battle with cancer. —

Cam Inman, Mercury News, 13 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for adapt

Recent Examples of Synonyms for adapt

Verb

The set includes a long-sleeve, henley-style shirt complete with three front buttons, and long pants designed with an elastic waistband and drawcord to adjust the fit to your liking.

— Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 11 Dec. 2025
As the fireline is constructed, inspected or reinforced, mappers record those details to adjust the containment percentage.

— CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 11 Dec. 2025