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 At the same time, Amazon MGM Studios is adapting the novel into a series with Boneta starring as the main character. Clare Mulroy, USA TODAY, 21 Mar. 2025 As Écija explains, comedy is one of the most complex genres to adapt, as humor is deeply rooted in local culture. Jamie Lang, Variety, 21 Mar. 2025 Doyle advised aspiring family office CIOs to be prepared to adapt, not only in terms of managing different types of assets but also in working with future generations of the family. Hayley Cuccinello, CNBC, 21 Mar. 2025 As hiring slows and employers grow pickier, job seekers must adapt strategically to stand out. Jack Kelly, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for adapt
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adapt
Verb
  • For comparison, the F-22 cost about $150 million per unit (adjusted for inflation).
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 22 Mar. 2025
  • The administration has said that people who entered the U.S. through the humanitarian parole program will have any applications to adjust their status put on hold.
    Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 22 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The first is to tailor rapid rearmament to the idea of sending a large military force to Ukraine to guarantee a peace settlement and if necessary fight Russia there.
    Anatol Lieven, TIME, 14 Mar. 2025
  • For years, this was achieved at the expense of privacy, with cookies and other tracking mechanisms mining personal data to tailor ads.
    Mike Villalobos, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Such policies may compel Muslim employees to choose between adhering to their religious values or conforming to professional standards that do not reflect their cultural and religious identity, potentially leading to perceptions of unprofessionalism.
    Aparna Rae, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025
  • This loan is available for both conforming and jumbo loan amounts and consists of two phases: construction and permanent loan.
    Kayla Mai, Idaho Statesman, 28 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Gaga’s powerful delivery propels the track forward, but in the second verse, the production contracts to suit Ariana’s gentle coo.
    Kristen S. Hé, Vulture, 19 Mar. 2025
  • To juxtapose the silhouette, wear them with suiting, denim, dresses, and silk.
    Cortne Bonilla, Vogue, 19 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Yemeni coffeehouses put an emphasis on the aesthetics of the space.
    Hira Qureshi, Bon Appétit, 18 Mar. 2025
  • This time, Lowe was in his front yard, putting his kids in the car with his parents.
    Raechal Shewfelt, EW.com, 18 Mar. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Adapt.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adapt. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on adapt

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!