Definition of adaptationnext
as in adjustment
the act or process of changing something to fit a new use or situation a careful adaptation of the book for the silver screen could take several years

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 adaptation Financed with $3 million of Fischback’s own money, the horror video game adaptation ended up being released in 4,000 theaters thanks to support from the creator’s 38 million YouTube subscribers. Dade Hayes, Deadline, 4 Feb. 2026 Yet his lineage, alliances, and platform suggest not a rejection of far-right governance but its strategic adaptation—preserving democratic form while recalibrating its substance. Alejandro Reyes, Washington Post, 3 Feb. 2026 During the events of The Last of Us, the HBO TV adaptation of the mega-popular video games from Naughty Dog, Manny was present in Jackson to assist Abby in the execution of Joel (Pedro Pascal) as a ripple effect from what happened in the season 1 finale. Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Feb. 2026 It’s definitely been this way since the Jacques Rivette adaptation of the novel called Hurlevent came out in 1985. Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 3 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for adaptation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adaptation
Noun
  • The aim is to integrate projects, make adjustments to the grid as needed, then move onto the next group.
    Bloomberg Wire, Dallas Morning News, 4 Feb. 2026
  • Cold-weather conditions can be a unique challenge even for the most meticulous cleaner, but a few adjustments can help prevent minor annoyances from becoming persistent problems.
    Katie Cloyd, Martha Stewart, 4 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Anyone who’s read 19th century novels or watched their screen adaptions knows that ballroom dance scenes tend to be loaded with drama, social jockeying and, above all, romantic intrigue.
    Martha Ross, Mercury News, 24 Jan. 2026
  • The adaption would be called Star 80, a reference to the vanity plate on the Mercedes Snider bought Dorothy with her money.
    Lili Anolik, Vanity Fair, 12 Jan. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Adaptation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adaptation. Accessed 7 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on adaptation

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!