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 Hideaway Entertainment hired Gunn to adapt the script, and following his adaptation, The Hideaway brought the project to Imagine Entertainment. Justin Kroll, Deadline, 3 Oct. 2025 Hideaway initially hired Michael Russell Gunn, a writer-producer on such shows as Designated Survivor, to adapt the script. Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 3 Oct. 2025 As a result, vineyards are being planted in higher grounds and grape varieties are being replaced by others better adapted to higher temperatures and drought. Miguel A. Torres, Time, 3 Oct. 2025 Dodge adapted the FirePower to the 1953 Red Ram pickup truck, and Desoto, a now-defunct Chrysler imprint, also began using the engine, calling it the Firedome. Liam Rappleye, Freep.com, 3 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for adapt
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adapt
Verb
  • Some models also feature adaptive noise cancellation to adjust ANC levels and ambient modes to allow specific sounds through, which helps noise control across different environments.
    Jackie Cucco, Travel + Leisure, 2 Oct. 2025
  • Regardless, passengers will be able to control and adjust those settings, the spokesperson said.
    Mack DeGeurin, Popular Science, 2 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Meta launches online safety lessons for students Beyond apps and schools, Meta partnered with Childhelp to create a nationwide online safety curriculum tailored for middle schoolers.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 4 Oct. 2025
  • And, restoring and maintaining the health of Florida’s 1,100 springs will require further study to tailor appropriate interventions to each one.
    Christopher F. Meindl, The Conversation, 3 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Eisgruber also believes that speech should conform to norms of civility.
    Louis Menand, New Yorker, 26 Sep. 2025
  • Young men are being labeled—and mocked—for taking on a persona that doesn’t conform to the traditional masculine stereotype, even though the traditional masculine stereotype is equally performative.
    Ashleigh N. DeLuca, Parents, 24 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Sweeney and Dickson have been experimenting with more playful sartorial risks in the few months too; sailor chic via Coperni, subversive corporate attire with a pantsless suit and tie combo via Jean Paul Gaultier, and silky power suiting by Oscar de la Renta.
    Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Individually, more fast-break chances would suit him well.
    Jay King, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Let the filter dry completely before putting it back and using the blow dryer again.
    Cody Godwin, USA Today, 5 Oct. 2025
  • Notre Dame had a 79-yard TD drive in the third quarter and a 52-yarder in the fourth to put the game away.
    Jim Keyser, Idaho Statesman, 5 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

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

More from Merriam-Webster on adapt

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!