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 Made with a low-density performance and 100 percent recyclable foam, per DSC, its high-rebound insole can adapt to various stressors without risking structural integrity issues. Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 3 Apr. 2025 How Tesla Sales Compare to Ford, General Motors Generally, sales figures from Tesla, Ford and General Motors can offer signals on how automakers are adapting to supply-chain pressures and potential changing consumer opinions. Jason D. Greenblatt, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Apr. 2025 Not adapting fast enough One of the fastest ways to fall behind in a recession is refusing to pivot when the market shifts. Melissa Houston, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2025 Lunar update While Williams and Wilmore offered new insights into how humans can adapt to life in an extraterrestrial habitat, another pivotal mission helped pave the way for astronauts to venture deeper into space. Jackie Wattles, CNN, 22 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for adapt
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adapt
Verb
  • Freaky Friday was based on Mary Rodgers’ 1972 novel, and earned $160 million globally, not adjusted for inflation.
    Pamela McClintock, HollywoodReporter, 3 Apr. 2025
  • Federal rules allow hospitals to report an estimate, a price range, or a historical rate for their services, while health plans can adjust prices based on factors like the severity of the case, the length of treatment, and a patient’s age.
    Daniel Chang, Miami Herald, 3 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Medications, vitamins and supplements are tailored to each person’s unique needs.
    Sandee LaMotte, CNN Money, 7 Apr. 2025
  • Some malls have survived by taking on new lives as entertainment and lifestyle hubs, and by tailoring themselves to fill specific niches.
    Jeremy Duda, Axios, 7 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Cognitive dissonance, motivated reasoning, and the pressure to conform are powerful psychological forces that can prevent people from accepting the truth.
    Hersh Shefrin, Forbes.com, 5 Apr. 2025
  • Major League Baseball confirmed that the bats in question conform to the league's maximum size rules and manufacturer regulations.
    Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The robots are particularly suited for joining assembly lines where humans have to do repetitive motions.
    CJ Haddad, CNBC, 31 Mar. 2025
  • Weigh the pros and cons of each option, to determine which one best suits your future needs.
    ESSENCE Lifestyle, Essence, 31 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Quality control is highly inconsistent, and customer service can be…frustrating, to put it nicely.
    Francesca Krempa, StyleCaster, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Plus, the act of putting a mask on in and of itself feels like peak self-care.
    Annie Blackman, Allure, 10 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Adapt.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adapt. Accessed 14 Apr. 2025.

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