adapt 1 of 3

Definition of adaptnext

adapted

2 of 3

adjective

adapted

3 of 3

verb (2)

past tense of adapt

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
Verb
The same drone, which Tkachenko said has saved hundreds of lives, can also be adapted to mount a 40-mm grenade launcher, which can be controlled from a bunker miles from the battlefield. Holly Williams, CBS News, 29 Mar. 2026 Kirby did commend Boom’s December pivot to adapt its in-development Symphony engine to power AI data centers, which could yield early proof of the design. Rob Pegoraro, PC Magazine, 28 Mar. 2026
Adjective
But first, Paul Thomas Anderson’s first win of the night, for adapted screenplay. Glenn Whipp, Los Angeles Times, 15 Mar. 2026 The horror film, directed and written by Ryan Coogler, won the award for original screenplay, and its biggest competitor for the best picture Oscar, Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another, clinched the win for adapted screenplay. From Wire Reports, Dallas Morning News, 9 Mar. 2026
Verb
Batavia coach Alex Beckmann, meanwhile, has been impressed with how quickly Johnson has adapted thus far to varsity baseball. Paul Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 26 Mar. 2026 The series was adapted into an anime series last year, and this 23rd volume serves as the last in the manga version. Billboard Japan, Billboard, 26 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for adapt
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adapt
Adjective
  • That reflected a year-over-year decline of 2% for adjusted earnings and an increase of 6% for revenue.
    Michelle Fox, CNBC, 26 Mar. 2026
  • Companies that ramped up AI investment in late 2025 haven’t fully rolled out capabilities, adjusted pricing, or realized revenue gains.
    Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 26 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Recollect Records is that rare place for DJs and record collectors, especially those seeking used soul, funk, hip-hop and jazz vinyl.
    Miguel Otárola, Denver Post, 30 Mar. 2026
  • Many high-performance electric mountain bikes can cost as much as a used car, and until now, the brands charging that much had little reason to worry.
    Omar Kardoudi March 30, New Atlas, 30 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The strategy behind the challenge As coaches grow more accustomed to challenges, teams are developing strategies to maximize them.
    Maura Carey, Chicago Tribune, 26 Mar. 2026
  • People have become accustomed to it on the islands.
    Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 26 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Adapt.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adapt. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.

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