Definition of adaptnext

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 Ritchson also didn’t share which Reacher season he initially got approved to adapt Die Trying for; however, season five, which scored an early renewal ahead of the season four premiere last month, is set to be based on Child’s 12th book, Make Me. Carly Thomas, HollywoodReporter, 20 Sep. 2026 Alan Ritchson says Reacher scrapped plans to adapt a book in Lee Child’s Jack Reacher series about a white supremacist militia. Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 20 Sep. 2026 Their increasingly nuanced thinking gives them the intuitive ability to change and adapt as needed. Lindsay C. Gibson, CNBC, 20 Sep. 2026 The Love Hypothesis was adapted by Sarah Rothschild from the 2021 hit Ali Hazelwood novel of the same name. Jack Smart, PEOPLE, 19 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for adapt
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adapt
Verb
  • Burke adjusted well to the change and received support throughout the afternoon both offensively and defensively from Miguel Vargas.
    LaMond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 19 Sep. 2026
  • McDonald's is one brand Kahn pointed to as having stood the test of time by tweaking its offerings, adjusting to trends and maintaining fresh appeal.
    Teresa Mull, FOXNews.com, 19 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • This multi-material capability gives greater design flexibility to tailor the performance, versatility, and shape of complex components.
    Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 22 Sep. 2026
  • American chains trade on their brand names and signature products, but many tailor their menus to appeal to Chinese customers.
    ABC News, ABC News, 20 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • The world, to his way of thinking, must conform to our concepts.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 21 Sep. 2026
  • King seemed stunned that an actual Black person had views that did not conform to her preconception of what a Black man should think.
    Chris Roemer, Baltimore Sun, 19 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Hybrid systems combine quantum processors with conventional computers, assigning different parts of a workload to the hardware best suited to perform them.
    Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 22 Sep. 2026
  • Whole-milk versions carry more saturated fat, while lower-fat options may suit some diets better.
    Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 22 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Holmes also committed a throwing error in the sixth on a pickoff move in an overall disastrous three-run inning that put the Reds ahead for good.
    Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 19 Sep. 2026
  • The Hurricanes’ offense kept on chugging early in the second quarter, and Mensah found a wide-open Elija Lofton for a 21-yard score to put UM back in the lead.
    Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 19 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Adapt.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adapt. Accessed 24 Sep. 2026.

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