Synonyms of adaptable

adaptable

adjective

ə-ˈdap-tə-bəl 

1

as in versatile

able to do many different kinds of things

an activities director who's adaptable to any kind of situation

Synonyms & Similar Words

• versatile
• skilled
• skillful
• protean
• flexible
• all-round
• able
• universal
• adjustable
• multipurpose
• proficient
• adept
• general-purpose
• experienced
• all-around
• modifiable
• changeable
• malleable
• variable
• pliant
• expert
• well-rounded
• pliable
• mixed-use
• elastic
• ace
• alterable
• plastic
• supple
• masterful
• fluid

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• limited
• inexperienced
• amateur

2

as in adjustable

capable of being readily changed

the caterer's menu is adaptable to specific dietary needs, such as vegan, kosher, or low-fat

Synonyms & Similar Words

• adjustable
• flexible
• changing
• alterable
• versatile
• variable
• varying
• malleable
• changeable
• modifiable
• elastic
• pliable
• fluid
• unstable
• labile
• fluctuating
• inconstant
• unsteady

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• fixed
• inflexible
• invariable
• immutable
• unchangeable
• established
• unalterable
• inelastic
• stable
• set
• unadaptable
• constant
• uniform
• steady
• nonmalleable
• unchanging
• unvarying
• unbudgeable
• ramrod

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective adaptable contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of adaptable are ductile, malleable, plastic, pliable, and pliant. While all these words mean "susceptible of being modified in form or nature," adaptable implies the capability of being easily modified to suit other conditions, needs, or uses.

computer hardware that is adaptable

When is it sensible to use ductile instead of adaptable?

While in some cases nearly identical to adaptable, ductile applies to what can be drawn out or extended with ease.

ductile metals such as copper

When would malleable be a good substitute for adaptable?

In some situations, the words malleable and adaptable are roughly equivalent. However, malleable applies to what may be pressed or beaten into shape.

the malleable properties of gold

In what contexts can plastic take the place of adaptable?

The words plastic and adaptable are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, plastic applies to substances soft enough to be molded yet capable of hardening into the desired fixed form.

plastic materials allow the sculptor greater freedom

When can pliable be used instead of adaptable?

The synonyms pliable and adaptable are sometimes interchangeable, but pliable suggests something easily bent, folded, twisted, or manipulated.

pliable rubber tubing

When is pliant a more appropriate choice than adaptable?

The meanings of pliant and adaptable largely overlap; however, pliant may stress flexibility and sometimes connote springiness.

an athletic shoe with a pliant sole

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of adaptable

My favorite of these salads, the one that brings me most joy, is my French lentil salad, a recipe that’s simple, generous, adaptable and reliable, and inspired by these trips overseas. —Lisa Donovan, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2025

Long-Term Resilience Prioritizing upskilling prepares you for a resilient future with adaptable employees ready to take on evolving roles. —Danny Asnani, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025

Kara Nitschke, migratory and game bird biologist with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, said Canada geese are very adaptable and easily assimilate. —Morgan Severson, CNN Money, 25 Apr. 2025

This tough, adaptable evergreen is hardy in USDA zones 4-9 and requires no pruning or pampering. —Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 25 Apr. 2025