Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

Thesaurus

adaptable

adjective

Synonyms and Antonyms of adaptable

1 able to do many different kinds of things

  • an activities director whoʼs adaptable to any kind of situation
Synonyms of adaptable

all-around (also all-round), protean, universal, versatile
Words Related to adaptable

general-purpose, mixed-use, multipurpose

well-rounded

able, ace, adept, experienced, expert, masterful, proficient, skilled, skillful

adjustable, alterable, changeable, elastic, flexible, fluid, malleable, modifiable, plastic, pliable, pliant, supple, variable
Near Antonyms of adaptable

limited

amateur, inexperienced

2 capable of being readily changed

  • the catererʼs menu is adaptable to specific dietary needs, such as vegan, kosher, or low-fat
Synonyms of adaptable

adjustable, alterable, changeable, elastic, flexible, fluid, malleable, modifiable, pliable, variable
Words Related to adaptable

changing, fluctuating, inconstant, labile, unstable, unsteady, varying, versatile
Near Antonyms of adaptable

constant, stable, steady, unchanging, uniform, unvarying
Antonyms of adaptable

established, fixed, immutable, inelastic, inflexible, invariable, nonmalleable, ramrod, set, unadaptable, unalterable, unbudgeable, unchangeable

Synonym Discussion of adaptable

plastic, pliable, pliant, ductile, malleable, adaptable mean susceptible of being modified in form or nature. 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
pliable suggests something easily bent, folded, twisted, or manipulated.
    • pliable rubber tubing
pliant may stress flexibility and sometimes connote springiness.
    • an athletic shoe with a pliant sole
ductile applies to what can be drawn out or extended with ease.
    • ductile metals such as copper
malleable applies to what may be pressed or beaten into shape.
    • the malleable properties of gold
adaptable implies the capability of being easily modified to suit other conditions, needs, or uses.
    • computer hardware that is adaptable

Learn More about adaptable

  1. Dictionary: Definition of adaptable Spanish Central: Translation of adaptable Nglish: Translation of adaptable for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of adaptable for Arabic speakers

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up adaptable? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show comments hide comments

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

WORD OF THE DAY

biannual

occurring twice a year or every two years

Get Word of the Day daily email!

TRENDING NOW

  1. Spartan Red Cross Warns of Shelter Conditions

  2. hirsute RIP Burt Reynolds

  3. op-ed NYT Publishes Anonymous Piece

  4. collegiality Kavanaugh Mentions Word in Hearing

  5. mistrial Manafort Guilty on 8 Counts

SEE ALL

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games