as in adaptions
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
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Recent Examples of adaptations
Universal has seen strong results for its Broadway adaptations as of late, most recently adapting Wicked into a two-part blockbuster hit with the first film earning an Oscar nomination for Best Picture.
—
Justin Kroll, Deadline, 29 Jan. 2026
This fascinating stress test suggests that video game adaptations could thrive when entrusted to web-native creators who not only respect but understand their source material — and would benefit from collaboration with more experienced filmmakers.
—Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 29 Jan. 2026
The versatility he's demonstrated, moving seamlessly between legal thrillers, literary adaptations, and blockbuster action films, has turned him into a recognizable face far beyond Hollywood.
—Veronica Villafañe, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
This early-2000s weepie was one of the first Nicholas Sparks adaptations that connected with audiences.
—Kevin Jacobsen, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Jan. 2026
What are some of your favorite book-to-movie adaptations?
—Sam Woodward, USA Today, 29 Jan. 2026
At the same time, the slate keeps things light with stand-up from Mo Gilligan and Sommore, plus easygoing romances and comedies like the Terry McMillan adaptations and Tyler Perry’s latest film Joe’s College Road Trip.
—Okla Jones, Essence, 28 Jan. 2026
Four musicians — a pianist, violinist, guitarist and bassist — perform Hale’s adaptations of Dylan’s songs, while the actors creatively jam the percussion parts.
—Danielle Charbonneau, AJC.com, 27 Jan. 2026
Off-Broadway theatergoers were served a true gift this season with two adaptations of Molière’s 17th century scandalous satire.
—Karu F. Daniels, New York Daily News, 22 Jan. 2026
Justin Kroll, Deadline, 29 Jan. 2026
This fascinating stress test suggests that video game adaptations could thrive when entrusted to web-native creators who not only respect but understand their source material — and would benefit from collaboration with more experienced filmmakers.
—Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 29 Jan. 2026
The versatility he's demonstrated, moving seamlessly between legal thrillers, literary adaptations, and blockbuster action films, has turned him into a recognizable face far beyond Hollywood.
—Veronica Villafañe, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
This early-2000s weepie was one of the first Nicholas Sparks adaptations that connected with audiences.
—Kevin Jacobsen, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Jan. 2026
What are some of your favorite book-to-movie adaptations?
—Sam Woodward, USA Today, 29 Jan. 2026
At the same time, the slate keeps things light with stand-up from Mo Gilligan and Sommore, plus easygoing romances and comedies like the Terry McMillan adaptations and Tyler Perry’s latest film Joe’s College Road Trip.
—Okla Jones, Essence, 28 Jan. 2026
Four musicians — a pianist, violinist, guitarist and bassist — perform Hale’s adaptations of Dylan’s songs, while the actors creatively jam the percussion parts.
—Danielle Charbonneau, AJC.com, 27 Jan. 2026
Off-Broadway theatergoers were served a true gift this season with two adaptations of Molière’s 17th century scandalous satire.
—Karu F. Daniels, New York Daily News, 22 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adaptations
Noun
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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
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Like many other recent true crime adaptions, the show has nothing to say, and there's zero artistry in its lurid retelling of a man murdering his wife and son.—
Kelly Lawler,
USA Today,
13 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Even the climate adjustments drew ire, since the dial automatically pulls back into the dash before any fan speed selection actually results in a change.—
Michael Teo Van Runkle,
Forbes.com,
29 Jan. 2026
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The old system was designed to require little driver effort to track straight, which sounds good in theory, but had the unintended consequence of making minor adjustments feel vague.—
Adam Ismail,
The Drive,
29 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Adaptations.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adaptations. Accessed 30 Jan. 2026.
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