Synonyms of adapt

adapt

verb

ə-ˈdapt 

as in to adjust

to change (something) so as to make it suitable for a new use or situation

it always takes freshmen a little while to adapt themselves to high school

Synonyms & Similar Words

• adjust
• tailor
• conform
• suit
• put
• shape
• edit
• customize
• accommodate
• prepare
• fit
• acclimate
• acclimatize
• condition
• modify
• transform
• match
• alter
• fashion
• convert
• readjust
• establish
• bend
• equip
• doctor
• tune
• revise
• readapt
• pattern
• correct
• model
• harmonize
• attune
• rework
• regulate
• orient
• ready
• redesign
• orientate
• familiarize
• reclaim
• gear
• recast
• remake
• accustom
• reinvent
• train
• root
• acquaint
• reengineer
• recycle
• harden
• habituate
• settle
• prime
• rehearse
• refocus
• fine-tune
• remodel
• refashion
• rig
• redevelop
• toughen
• revamp
• inure
• redo
• square
• season
• naturalize
• rejigger
• refit
• phase
• make over
• register
• refigure
• habilitate
• fiddle (with)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• misadjust

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

Recent Examples of adapt

And those norms can change quickly, with much of society managing to adapt to a prolonged state of unfreedom. —Joshua Yaffa, New Yorker, 26 Sep. 2025

Living cells go digital Unlike traditional processors, the CL1 combines living neurons with a silicon chip and harnesses their ability to adapt, learn, reorganize, and respond dynamically to their environment. —Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 26 Sep. 2025

The story was adapted by Etzler and Jess O’Kane from Rasmus Lindgren’s debut novel De Oönskade. —Holly Jones, Variety, 26 Sep. 2025

Also previously adapting the Mitch Albom novel Fab Five as a film for Skydance with Justin Lin attached to direct, he’s represented by Untitled, UTA, and Yorn Levine. —Matt Grobar, Deadline, 26 Sep. 2025

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